Kujō Yoritsugu

Quick Facts: Who was Kujō Yoritsugu?

Subject:

Kujō Yoritsugu

Known for:

Fifth Shōgun of the Kamakura Shogunate, ruling during a period of transition.

Born:

1239-12-17

Died:

1256-10-14

Century / Era:

1239s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kujō Yoritsugu (九条 頼嗣; 17 December 1239 – 14 October 1256; r. 1244–1252), also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsugu (藤原 頼嗣), was the fifth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate of Japan. His father was the 4th Kamakura shōgun, Kujō Yoritsune. The Kujō family was one of the five branches of the historically powerful Fujiwara clan of imperial courtiers. Father: Kujō Yoritsune Mother: Omiya no Kata Wife: Hiwadahime (1230–1247) 1244 (Kangen 2): In the spring of this year, a number of extraordinary phenomena in the skies over Kamakura troubled Yoritsugu's father Yoritsune deeply.

Career & Major Achievements

1244 (Kangen 2, 4th month): Yoritsugu had his coming-of-age ceremonies at age 6. In the same month, his father asked Emperor Go-Saga for permission to give up his responsibilities as shōgun in favor of Yoritsugu. 1245 (Kangen 3, 7th month): Yoritsune shaved his head and became a Buddhist priest. 1246 (Kangen 4, 7th month): Yoritsugu married the sister of Hōjō Tsunetoki.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was seven, and she was sixteen. 1 September 1256 (Kōgen 1, 11th day of the 8th month): Yoritsugu's father dies at the age of 38. 14 October 1256 (Kōgen 1, 25th day of the 9th month): Yoritsugu dies at the age of 16. The years in which Yoritsugu was shogun are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1230: 1230 Milestone — Father: Kujō Yoritsune Mother: Omiya no Kata Wife: Hiwadahime (1230–1247) 1244 (Kangen 2): In the spring of this year, a number of extraordinary phenomena in the skies over Kamakura troubled Yoritsugu's father Yoritsune deeply.
2. 1239 (1239-12-17): Birth of Kujō Yoritsugu — Fifth Shōgun of the Kamakura Shogunate, ruling during a period of transition.
3. 1244: 1244 Milestone — 1244–1252), also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsugu (藤原 頼嗣), was the fifth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate of Japan.
4. 1245: 1245 Milestone — 1245 (Kangen 3, 7th month): Yoritsune shaved his head and became a Buddhist priest.
5. 1246: 1246 Milestone — 1246 (Kangen 4, 7th month): Yoritsugu married the sister of Hōjō Tsunetoki.
6. 1256 (1256-10-14): Passing & Historical Legacy — Kujō Yoritsugu passed away on 1256-10-14, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kujō Yoritsugu

True or False: “Kujō Yoritsugu ruled as shogun across three distinct era names: Kangen, Hōji, and Kenchō.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): His regency spanned the years associated with Kangen (1243–1247), Hōji (1247–1249), and Kenchō (1249–1257).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kujō Yoritsugu