We are creating this page to serve as a place to list all of the different Palaces built and used through Japanese history. We will continue to update this page as we gain more information.

Legendary Period

Akitsushima Palace

Located in Muro this was the palace of Emperor Kōan.⁵

Hishiro Palace

Located in Makimuku, this apalace is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Keikō.⁵

Ihodo Palace

Located in Kuroda this was the palace of Emperor Kōrei.⁵

Ikegokoro Palace

Located in Waki no Kami this was the palace of Emperor Kōshō.⁵

Isakaha Palace

Located in Kasuga this was the palace of Emperor Kaika.⁵

Kahakami Palace

Located in Totori this was the palace of Inishikinoiribiko.³⁴

Kambata Palace

Located in Ise Province, Emperor Keikō resided here for some time.⁵

Kuguri Palace

Located in Mino Province, Emperor Keikō stayed here in his 4th year.⁵

Magario Palace

Located in Karu this was the palace of Emperor Itoku.⁵

Midzukaki Palace

Located in Shiki this was the palace of Emperor Sujin.¹²³⁴

Nagaho Palace

Located in Ajimasa this was the palace of Homutsuwake.³⁴

Sakahibara Palace

Located in Karu this was the palace of Emperor Kōgen.⁵

Sakawori Palace

Located in in Kahi, Yamato Takeru stays here during his time fighting against the Emishi also composing a song while here.⁵

Takaanaho Palace

Located in Takaanaho in Shiga in Omi this was the palace of Emperor Seimu.¹² Emperor Keikō is said to have passed away in this palace.¹

Takaoka Palace

Located in Katsuragi this was the palace of Emperor Suizei.⁵

Takaya Palace

Located in Tsukushi, Hiuga Province, this palace is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Keikō where he resided for six years after defeating the Kumaso.⁵

Other sources state Yamato Takeru stayed here instead.²

Tamaki Palace

Located in Shiki this was the palace of Emperor Suinin.¹ (Tamaki Palace, Makimuku.²)

Ukiana Palace

Located in Katashio this was the palace of Emperor Annei.⁵

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
4. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
5. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

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Dōjōji no kane

Dōjōji no kane (道成寺鐘 – The Bell of Dōjōji) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi.

The story behind this creature relates to the priest Anchin and his love Kiyohime. Kiyohime was the daughter of a wealthy merchant family and that her and Anchin were in love.

However, he would not give up his religious vows and so left her in her village of Manago. She pursues him, even at one point turning into a serpent to cross a river. When Anchin arrives at Dōjōji he asks the monks to hide him from Kiyohime and so they hide him inside the bell.

When Kiyohime finds him inside the bell she coils herself around it in her serpant form causing the bell to boil and melt into boiling water.

There are others who end the tale differently, saying the bell is now housed in Myōmanji in Kyoto. The bell here is inscribed as follows:

“Yata Village. Hidaka district, Kii Province. This is the bell of Dōdōji, designated as an Imperial prayer temple by Emperor Monmu, and forged by his orders. Funds solicited by monk-official in charge Hōgen Jōshō, from patrons Minamoto no Manjumaru and Yoshida Minamoto no Yorihide, together with the other men and women parishioners of the temple. Blacksmith: Sangen Dōgan. Backsmith’s assistant: Taifu Morinaga. The eleventh day of the third month of the fourteenth year of Enryaku era, year of the wooden pig.”¹

External Links

• View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online.

Footnotes

1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

List of Supernatural Creatures

Abura akago * Aka Manto * Akaname * Akashita * Amanozako * Amefuri Kozo * Ameonna * Amikiri * Aoandō * Aōbozu * Aonyobo * Aosagi no hi * Ayakashi * Buruburu * Chochin bi * Dōjōji no kane * Dōmeki * Dorotabō * Enenra * Funa Yurei * Furaribi * Fūri * Furutsubaki no rei * Gaikotsu * Ganbari Nyudo * Gagoze * Gangikozō * Gensuke * Haka no hi * Hangonkō * Hannya * Hashi-Hime * Hatahiro * Hiderigami * Hikeshi baba * Himamushi-nyūdō * Hinode * Hitodama * Hitotsume Kozō * Hiyoribo * Hōkō * Hone Onna * Hyōsube * Ikiryō * Inugami * Jakotsubaba * Jatai * Jorōgumo * Kamaitachi * Kamikiri * Kanedama * Kageonna * Kappa * Kasha * Katawa Guruma * Kawa Akago * Kawauso * Kazenbō * Kidōmaru * Kitsunebi * Kejoro * Kerakeraonna * Kodama * Kokuribaba * Kosamebō * Kosode no te * Kosenjo no hi * Kurozuka * Makurageishi * Mikoshi * Minobi * Momiji-gari * Momonjii * Morinji no Kama * Nekomata * Ningyo * Ninmenju * Noderabō * Nopperabo * Nuppeppō * Nurarihyon * Nureonna * Nuribotoke * Nyūnai Suzume * Obariyon * Oboro-guruma * Ōkaburo * Ōkubi * Okiku * Ōmagatoki * Oni * Onihitokuchi * Onmoraki * Osakabe * Oshiroibaba * Otoroshi * Ouni * Ōzatō * Rokurokubi * Sakabashira * Samebito * Sansei * Sarakozoe * Satori * Sesshō-seki * Seta * Shinkirō * Shirachigo * Shiranui * Shōkera * Shokuin * Shuten-dōji * Sōgenbi * Suiko * Takaonna * Tamamo-no-mae * Tanuki * Tenasobi * Tenjō-Kudari * Tengu * Tengu Tsubute * Tenome * Teratsutsuki * Tesso * Tōdaiki * Tōfu Kozō * Tsurubebi * Ubagabi * Ubume * Umibozū * Umizatō * Ushinotoki-mairi * Ushioni * Uwan * Waira * Wani * Wanyudo * Yamabiko * Yamauba * Yamawarawa * Yanari * Yukionna * Zenki and Goki

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 158-98BC
  • Born: 208BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Takanohime (wife) Hikoyumusumi (son) Ikagashikome (wife/step mum) Emperor Sujin (son) Mimatsuhime (daughter) Oketsuhime (wife) Hikoimasu (son) Washihime (wife) Taketayohadzurawake (son)
  • Burial place: misasagi in Isakaha
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōgen  * Successor Emperor Sujin

Emperor Kaika

Emperor Kaika (開化 天皇) was the 9th Emperor of Japan also known as Wakayamato Nekohiko Kunikuru¹ or Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōho-bibi (若倭根子日子大毘毘命)² He ruled from 158-98BC.¹

Family

Emperor Kaika was the son of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome.¹²³

Both the nihongi and the kojiki mostly mention the same family members for Emperor Kaika. Though the kojiki does go into much more detail for the decendants of his children.

He first took as a concubine Takanohime and together they had Hikoyumusumi.²⁴

He married his stepmother Ikagashikome and together they had the future Emperor Sujin¹² and Mimatsuhime.⁴

A second conubine by the name of Oketsuhime had a child with the Emperor called Hikoimasu.²⁴

One final concubine by the name of Washihime gave him a son by the name of Taketayohadzurawake.⁴

Reign

Emperor Kaika ascended the throne in 157BC according to the Jinnō Shōtōki,³ though modern sources state it was in 158BC.¹ This was after being made heir to the throne in the ’22nd year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day’ of his fathers reign. He is said to have been 16 years old at the time.²

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • Winter 11th month, 12th day – Kaika ascends the throne.
  • 1st year, Spring, 1s month, 4th day – He gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • Winter, 10th month, 13th day – Capital moved to Kasuga, residing in the palace of Isakaha.
  • 5th year, Spring, 2nd month, 6th day. Emperor Kōgen buried in his misasagi on the island of Tsurugi lake.
  • 6th year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day – Ikashikome is made Empress.
    • The Empress gives birth to Emperor Sujin.
    • With Taniha no Takanohime he has Hikoyumusumi.
    • With Oketsuhime he has Hikoimasu,
  • 28th year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day – Sujin is made heir.
  • 60th year, Summer, 4th month, 9th day – The Emperor dies.²

Kaika died aged 115 according to the nihongi and Jinnō Shōtōki,²³  whereas the kojiki states he died aged 63.⁴ In total he ruled for 60 years.¹²

His misasagi is located in Isakaha, Kasuga.²

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
4. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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Kawachi Province

Kawachi Province (河内国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. It is now included in Osaka.

Haji Clan

From information inside of the nihongi we know that members of the Haji Clan dwelt here.

After the dissolution of the Haji Clan and their connections to funerary rites, it is not sure what became of the Haji Be. In the Edo Period a village in Kawachi was said to have been headed by the Haji family who made pottery part time, claiming descent from the Haji Be.¹

Reign of Emperor Sujin

During his reign there was a plague which ravaged the country. To aleviate it he was instructed to find Ohotataneko and make him the head of the shrine of Ōkuninushi He was eventually found in the village of Minu in this province.²³

This is related in the kojiki and not the nihongi which states he found in the province of Izumi Province.

After Yamato Takeru died his spirit as a bird flew to Kotobiki in Yamato Province and then Furuchi in Kahachi before finally flying to Takamagahara. A misasagi for him was also built here.⁴

Footnotes

1. Borgen, R. (1975) “The Origins of the Sugawara. A History of the Haji Family”. Monumenta Nipponica. Vol.30 No.4 pp.405-422
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
4. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

Former Provinces of Japan
Kinai	Izumi * Kawachi * Settsu * Yamashiro * Yamato
Tōsandō	Dewa * Hida * Kōzuke * Mino * Mutsu * Omi * Shimotsuke * Shinano
Hokurikudō	Echigo * Echizen * Etchū * Kaga * Koshi * Wakasa
San’indō	Hōki * Inaba * Izumo * Tajima * Tamba * Tango
Tōkaidō	Ise * Kai * Kazusa * Mikawa * Owari * Sagami * Shimōsa * Suruga * Tōtōmi
Nankaidō	Awa * Iyo * Kii * Sanuki * Tosa
San’yōdō	Aki * Harima * Mimasaka
Saikaidaō	Bungo * Chikuzen * Hizen * Hyūga * Iki * Tsushima
Pre-Taihō Code	Kibi

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 214-158BC
  • Born: 273BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Kuwashi Hime (mother) Uchishikome (wife) Ohobiko (son) Emperor Kaika (son) Sukunabikookokoro (son) Yamatotohime (daughter) Ikagashikome (concubine) Hikofutooshimakoto (son) Haniyasuhime (concubine) Takehaniyasuhiko (son)
  • Burial place: misasagi on Tsurugi Lake
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōrei  * Successor Emperor Kaika

Emperor Kōgen

Emperor Kōgen (孝元 天皇) was the 8th Emperor of Japan also known as Oyamatonekohikokunikuru (大倭根子日子国玖琉命)¹² He ruled from 214-158BC.¹

Family

Emperor Kōgen was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Kuwashi Hime.¹²

Both the nihongi and the kojiki agree on the family of Emperor Kōgen. Though the kojiki does go into much more detail for the decendants of his children.

He marred and made his Empress Uchishikome and together they had four childen Ohobiko, Emperor Kaika, Sukunabikookokoro and Yamatotohime.

With a concubine called Ikagashikome he had a son by the name of Hikofutooshimakoto. And with an additional concubine called Haniyasuhime he had another son by the name of Takehaniyasuhiko.²³⁴

Reign

Emperor Kōgen ascended the throne in 214BC¹⁵ after having been made heir to the throne in the “36th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day” of his fathers reign. He is said to have been 19 at the time.²

Ponsonby says he was 60 when he took the throne.¹

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day – Kōgen ascends the throne. He gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • 4th year, Spring, 3rd month, 11th day – Capital moved to Karu, residing in the Palace of Sakahibara.
  • 6th year, Autumn, 9th month, 6th day – Emperor Kōrei is buried in his misasagi on Mumazaka in Kataoka.
  • 7th year, Spring, 2nd month, 2nd day – Uchishikome is made Empress.
    • The Empress gives birth to Ohobiko, Emperor Kwaika and Yamatototohime.
    • With concubine Ikashikome they have Hikofutooshimakoto.
    • With concubine Haniyasuhime they have Takehaniyasuhiko.
  • 22nd year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day – Kwaika is made heir.
  • 57th year, Autumn, 9th month, 2nd day – The Emperor dies.

Kōgen died aged 116¹ though the Jinnō Shōtōki says he died aged 117⁵ and the kojiki says he died aged 57.³⁴ In total he is said to have ruled for 57 years.¹²⁵

His misasagi is located on Tsurugi Lake.²³⁴

He was buried in his misasagi on the “5th year, Spring, 2nd month, 6th day” of his sons reign.²

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
4. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
5. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.

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• Period: Legendary Period
• Occupation: Concubine
• Family: Emperor Kōrei (husband) Chijihayahime (daughter)
• Birth: –
• Death: –

Chijihayamawaka

Chijihayamawaka (千千速真若比売) was the concubine of Emperor Kōrei. We see her mentioned in the Kojiki as coming from Kasuga.

With the Emperor she had a daughter called Chijihayahime.¹²

Footnotes

1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 290-215BC
  • Born: 342BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Kōan (father) Oshihime (mother) Kuwashi Hime (wife) Emperor Kōgen (son) Haeirodo (concubine) Wakatakehiko (son) Hikosajima (son) Yamato no kunikahime (concubine) Yamatototohimomosobime (daughter) Kibitsuhiko (son) Yamatototowakayabime (daughter) Hikosashikatawake (son) Chijihayamawaka (concubine) Chijihayahime (daughter)
  • Burial place: misasagi on Mumazaka at Kataoka.
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōan  * Successor Emperor Kōgen

Emperor Kōrei

Emperor Kōrei (孝霊 天皇) was the 7th Emperor of Japan also known as Ōyamatonekohikofutoni (大倭根子日子賦斗邇命)¹² He ruled from 290-215BC.¹

Family

Depending on the source consulted, different wives and children are recounted from his life.

Emperor Kōrei was the son of Emperor Kōan and Oshihime.¹² His main wife and Empress was Kuwashi Hime with whom he had the future Emperor Kōgen.¹²³ With his concubine Haeirodo he had two sons Wakatakehiko¹²³ and Hikosajima.²³ With Yamato no kunikahime he had two daughters Yamatototohimomosobime, Yamatototowakayabime and two sons Kibitsuhiko,²³ Hikosashikatawake.³ And with an additional concubine called Chijihayamawaka he had a daughter by the name of Chijihayahime.³

Reign

Emperor Kōrei ascended the throne in 290BC¹⁴ after having been made heir to the throne in the “76th year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day” of his fathers reign. He is said to have been 26 at the time.²

Ponsonby says he was 53 when he took the throne.¹

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • Winter, 2th month, 4th Day – Capital moved to Kuroda, residing in the palace of Ihodo.
  • 1st Year, Spring, 1st Month, 12th Day – Kōrei ascends throne. He gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • 2nd year, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day. ‘Hosohime’ (Kuwashihime) made Empress.
    • Two alternative versions say this was:
      • Kasuga no Chichihayayamakahime.
      • Mashitahime, daughter of Toso, Agatanushi of Tohochi.
    • The Empress gives birth to Emperor Kōgen.
    • With concubine Yamato no kunikahime they have Yamatototohimomosobime, Kibitsuhiko and Yamatototowakayabime.
    • With concubine Hayeiroto they have Hikosajima and Wakatakehiko.
  • 36th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. Kōgen is made heir.
  • 76th year, Spring, 2nd month, 8th day – The Emperor dies.²

The Jinnō Shōtōki gives some additional information concerning his reign stating that the Chinese Emperor Ch’in sought out the The Elixir of Life in Japan during his reign. In response they asked for copies of the book of Five Kings and Three Emperors which were then sent to Japan.⁴

Kōrei died aged 128¹ though the Jinnō Shōtōki says he died aged 110.⁴ In total he is said to have ruled for 106 years in the Kojiki³ and not 76 years as in other sources.¹²⁴

His misasagi is located on Mumazaka in Kataoka.²

He was buried in his misasagi in the 6th year, Autumn, 9th month, 6th day of his sons reign.²

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
4. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 392-291BC
  • Born: 427/428BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Kōshō (father) Yosotarashi Hime (mother) Oshihime (wife) Ōkibi no Morosumi (son) Emperor Kōrei (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (brother)
  • Burial place: misasagi at Tamade
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōshō  * Successor Emperor Kōrei

Emperor Kōan

Emperor Kōan (孝安 天皇) was the 6th Emperor of Japan also known as Oyamato Tarashihiko Kunioshihito (大倭帯日子国押人命)¹² He ruled from 392-291BC.¹

Family

Emperor Kōan was one of two sons of Emperor Kōshō and Yosotarashi Hime¹² with Kōan going on to marry Oshihime.¹²³ Together they would have two sons, these being Ōkibi no Morosumi  and the future Emperor Kōrei.³

Reign

Emperor Kōan ascended to the throne in 392BC¹⁴ after having been made heir to the throne in the “68th year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day” of his fathers reign, he is said to have been 20 at the time.²

Ponsonby says he was 36 when he took the throne.¹

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 7th day Kōan takes the throne.
  • Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. He gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • 2nd year, Winter, 10th month. Capital moved to Muro, residing in the palace of Akitsushima.
  • 26th year, Spring, 2nd month, 14th day, Oshihime is made Empress.
    • Two alternative versions say this was:
      • Nagahime, daughter of Haye, Agatanushi of Shiki.
      • Isakahime, daughter of Isahiko, Agatanushi of Tohochi.
    • The Empress gives birth to Emperor Kōrei.
  • 38th year, Autumn, 8th month, 146th day. He buries his father.
  • 76th year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day Kōrei is made heir.
  • 102nd year, Spring, 1st month, 9th day the Emperor dies.²

Kōan died aged 137¹ though the Jinnō Shōtōki says he died aged 120.⁴ In total he is said to have ruled for 123 years in the Kojiki and not 101/102 as in other sources.³

His misasagi is located in Tamade.³

He was buried in his misasagi in Autumn, 9th month, 132nd the same year he died.²

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
4. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 475-393BC
  • Born: 507/508BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Itoku (father) Amatoyotsuhime (mother) Yosotarashi hime (wife) Emperor Kōan (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (son) Takeshihiko (brother)
  • Burial place: misasagi on Hakatayama in Waki no Kami
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Itoku  * Successor Emperor Kōan

Emperor Kōshō

Emperor Kōshō (孝昭 天皇) was the fifth Emperor of Japan also known as Mimatsuhiko Kaweshine (真津日子訶恵志泥命).¹² He ruled from 475-393BC.¹

Family

Emperor Kōshō was one of two sons of Emperor Itoku and Amatoyotsuhime.¹² Kōshō would go on to marry Yosotarashi hime¹²³ and together they would have two sons, these being the future Emperor Kōan and Ameoshitarashihiko.²³

Reign

Emperor Kōshō ascended to the throne in 475BC,⁴ after having been made heir to the throne in the ”22nd year, Spring, 2nd month, 12th day,” of Itoku’s reign. He is said to have been 18 at the time.²

Ponsonby states he was made heir in the 12th year of his fathers reign.¹

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 9th day Kōshō takes the throne.
  • Summer, 4th month, 5th day. He gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • 7th month. The capital is moved to Waki no Kami, residing in the Palace Ikegokoro.
  • 29th year, Spring, 1st month, 3rd day. Yosotarashi hime is made Empress.
    • Two alternative versions say this was:
      • Nunakitsuhime, daughter of Haye, Agatanushi of Shiki.
      • Ohowihime, daughter of Toyoakisatao from Yamato.
    • The Empress gives birth to Emperor Kōan and Ameoshitarashihiko.
  • 68th year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day. Kōan is made heir.
  • 83rd year, Autumn, 5th day. Kōshō passes away.²

Emperor Kōshō died aged 114¹⁴ and is said to have reigned 93 years in the Kojiki and not 83 as in other sources.⁵

His misasagi is located on Hakatayama in Waki no Kami.⁵

He was buried in his misasagi in the 38th year, Autumn, 8th month, 146th day of the reign of Emperor Kōan.²

Footnotes

1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
4. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
5. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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Hear this tale on Episode B13 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Reign: 548-511BC
  • Born: 568/567BC
  • Period: Legendary Period
  • Family: Emperor Suizei (father) Isuzuyorihime (mother) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (wife) Tokotsuhikoirone (son) Emperor Itoku (son) Shikitsuhiko (son) Ikishimimi? (son)
  • Burial place: misasagi on Mount Unebi
  • Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Suizei  * Successor Emperor Itoku

Emperor Annei

Emperor Annei (安寧 天皇) was the third Emperor of Japan also known as Shikitsuhiko tamatemi (師木津日子玉手見命).¹² He ruled from 548-511BC.¹

Family

Emperor Annei was the son of Isuzuyorihime and Emperor Suizei.²³⁴ He was married to Nanasoko Nakatsuhime²³⁵ and together they had three sons.

The sons differ depending on the source.

In the Kojiki the three sons are said to have been Tokotsuhikoirone, Emperor Itoku and Shikitsuhiko. This is agreed in an alternate narrative in the Nihongi²⁵ but the main text of the Nihongi lists only two sons, these being Ikishimimi and Emperor Itoku.²

Reign

Annei ascended to the throne in 548BC²⁴ taking the throne two months after his fathers death. He was made heir to the throne in 557BC.²

Events from his reign detailed in the Nihongi are as follows:

• • 1st year, Winter, 10th month, 11th day. Emperor Suizei buried in his misasagi. He also gives the Empress the title Kodaigo.
  • 2nd year, capital moved to Katashio residing in the Palace of Ukiana.
  • 3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day. Nunasoko Nakatsuhime made empress.
    • Two alternative versions say this was:
      • Kahatsuhime, daughter of Haye, Agatanushi of Shiki.
      • Daughter of Ohama no Sukune.
    • Before making her Empress she bore him two sons, Ikishimimi and Itoku.
      • An alternative version says Tokotsuhikoirone, Itoku, then Shikutsuhiko.
  • 11th year, 1st month, 1st day. Itoku made Prince Imperial.
  • 38th year, Winter, 11th month, 6th day the Emperor passes away.²

Emperor Annei died aged 57³⁴ and his misasagi is located on Mount Unebi.⁵

He was buried in his masasagi in the 1st year, Autumn, 8th month, 1st day of Emperor Itoku’s reign.²

The Kojiki satates he reigned for 49 years and not 38 like in other sources.⁵

Footnotes

1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
4. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
5. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Emperor Annei appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.