Kujō Yoritsune

Quick Facts: Who was Kujō Yoritsune?

Subject:

Kujō Yoritsune

Known for:

Fourth Shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, a key political figure in medieval Japan.

Born:

1218-02-12

Died:

1256-09-01

Century / Era:

1218s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kujō Yoritsune (九条 頼経; 12 February 1218 – 1 September 1256, r. 1226–1244), also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsune (藤原 頼経), was the fourth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate of Japan. His father was kanpaku Kujō Michiie and his grandmother was a niece of Minamoto no Yoritomo. His wife was a granddaughter of Yoritomo and daughter of Minamoto no Yoriie. He was born in the year, month and on the day (according to Chinese astrology) of the Tiger, and so was given the birth name Mitora (三寅, "Triple Tiger").

Career & Major Achievements

The Kujō family was one of the five branches of the historically powerful Fujiwara clan of courtiers. Father: Kujō Michiie Mother: Saionji Rinko Wife: Minamoto no Yoshiko (1202–1234) Concubine: Omiya no Tsubone Children: Kujō Yoritsugu by Omiya Kujō Michijo by Omiya Minamoto no Meguhime by Omiya At the age of seven, in 1226, Yoritsune became Sei-i Taishōgun in a political deal between his father and the Kamakura shogunate regent Hōjō Yoshitoki and Hōjō Masako who set him up as a puppet shogun. 1225 (Karoku 1, 11th month): At Kamakura, Yoritsune's coming of age ceremonies took place at age 8; but control of all bakufu affairs remained entirely in the hands of Hōjō Yasutoki, the regent (shikken). 25 February 1226 (Karoku 2, 27th day of the 1st month): Emperor Go-Horikawa raised Yoritsune to the first rank of the fifth class in the apex of artistocratic court hierarchy (the dōjō kuge). 1230 (Kangi 2, 12th month): Yoritsune is married to the daughter of Minamoto no Yoriie.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She is 15 years older than he is. 1231 (Kangi 3, 2nd month): Yoritsune is raised to the second rank of the 4th class in the dōjō kuge. 1231 (Kangi 3, 3rd month): Yoritsune is created a general of the left. 1231 (Kangi 3, 4th month): Yoritsune is raised to the first rank of the 4th class in the dōjō kuge. 20 March 1232 (Jōei 1, 27th day of the 2nd month): Yoritsune is raised to the second rank of the 3rd class in the dōjō kuge.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1202: 1202 Milestone — Father: Kujō Michiie Mother: Saionji Rinko Wife: Minamoto no Yoshiko (1202–1234) Concubine: Omiya no Tsubone Children: Kujō Yoritsugu by Omiya Kujō Michijo by Omiya Minamoto no Meguhime by Omiya At the age of seven, in 1226, Yoritsune became Sei-i Taishōgun in a political deal between his father and the Kamakura shogunate regent Hōjō Yoshitoki and Hōjō Masako who set him up as a puppet shogun.
2. 1218 (1218-02-12): Birth of Kujō Yoritsune — Fourth Shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, a key political figure in medieval Japan.
3. 1225: 1225 Milestone — 1225 (Karoku 1, 11th month): At Kamakura, Yoritsune's coming of age ceremonies took place at age 8; but control of all bakufu affairs remained entirely in the hands of Hōjō Yasutoki, the regent (shikken).
4. 1226: 1226 Milestone — 1226–1244), also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsune (藤原 頼経), was the fourth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate of Japan.
5. 1230: 1230 Milestone — 1230 (Kangi 2, 12th month): Yoritsune is married to the daughter of Minamoto no Yoriie.
6. 1231: 1231 Milestone — 1231 (Kangi 3, 2nd month): Yoritsune is raised to the second rank of the 4th class in the dōjō kuge.
7. 1232: 1232 Milestone — 20 March 1232 (Jōei 1, 27th day of the 2nd month): Yoritsune is raised to the second rank of the 3rd class in the dōjō kuge.
8. 1256 (1256-09-01): Passing & Historical Legacy — Kujō Yoritsune passed away on 1256-09-01, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kujō Yoritsune

True or False: “Kujō Yoritsune was appointed Sei-i Taishōgun at the age of seven, establishing his political power early in life.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he became Sei-i Taishōgun in 1226, the text notes that control over all bakufu affairs remained with the regent (shikken), Hōjō Yasutoki, until later.

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