Poems and Songs of Yamato Takeru

Sakawori Palace

Staying at Sakawori Palace he composed a song at night time which went as follows:

Since I passed Tsukuba,
And Nihibari,
How many nights have I slept?

Man in charge of the lights responding to him saying:

Counting the days –
Of nights there are nine nights,
Of days there are ten days.

Finding a Forgotten Sword on a Tree

Near the end of his life he rediscovered a sword against a tree he had once left there and forgotten.

Oh! Thou single pine-tree!
Thou art right opposite
To Ohari –
Ah me- thou single pine-tree!
If thou wert a man,
Garments I would clothe thee with,
A sword I would gird on thee.¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

	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 Poems and Songs of Yamato Takeru appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• • For all battles on the site see: List of Battles.

Kumaso Rebellions

The Kumaso Rebellions relate to the times in which the Kumaso People, who were based in Tsukushi, rebelled against the Imperial Rule of Japan.

Rebellion stopped by Emperor Keiko

In the 12th Year, Autumn, 7th Month of Emperor Keikō’s reign they rebelled giving no tribute and so in the 8th Month the Emperor went to Tsukushi.

Arriving on the 5th day of the 9th Month in Saha he addressed his ministers and sends Takemorogi, Unade and Natsubana to see what is happening.

A female chief by the name of Kamunashihime is found and she submits herself and her people to the Emperor after hanging an eight-span sword, mirror and jewels from a tree saying they are not the ones causing problems and so gives information on those who are.

There names being Hanatari encamped in Kahakami in Usa, Mimitari encamped in Kahakami in Mika, Asahagi encamped in Kahakami in Takaha and Tsuchiworiwiwori encamped in Kahakami in Midorino.

She requests that they be defeated.

Takemorogi manages to entice the followers of Asahagi with gifts. The followers then beckoned the four leaders to come which ends with them being seized and all killed.

The Emperor continues on to Buzen Province building a travelling palace there. In the Winter of the 10th Month he meets another female chieftain called Hayatsuhime in the village of Hayami.

She reveals that there are Tsuchigumo by the names of Awo and Shira living in the ‘Rat’s Cave,’ with another three called Uchizaru, Yata and Kunimaro living in Negino.

These people wouldn’t come under Imperial Rule and so mallets were given to the Imperial Troops made from camellia trees and all those living in the caves were killed.

The Emperor’s troops then attack Uchizaru but they have to retreat after being attacked with fire arrows. They turn their attention to Yata, defeating him on Negi Moor with Uchizaru now approaching the Emperor for leniency as he realises he cannot win against them.

He is refused and so he and all his followers kill themselves by throwing themselves into a ravine.

Arriving later in Hiuga Province the Emperor erects the Takaya Palace and holds a council to discuss the remaining Kumaso leaders who were two men by the names of Atsukaya and Sakaya. These two men leading a group called the 80 Kumaso Braves.

One Minsters reveals that one leader has two daughters, Ichifukaya and Ichikaya and they could be used to gather information.

They come to the Emperor after receiving gifts, the Emperor then taking to bed Ichifukaya. She instructs the Emperor to give him two men.

One of the men kills her father after she cut her fathers bow string so he cannot use it against them. However, the Emperor shocked at her unfilial act has her put to death and gives Ichikaya to the Miyakko of Kii.¹

Rebellion stopped by Yamato Takeru

In the 27th year Yamato Takeru is sent to deal with the Kumaso. Asking who he should take with him, an archer called Otohikogimi is recommended to him; and so he sends Miyadohiko to bring him.

With him he additionally brings Ishiura no Yokotachi, Tako no Inaki and Chichika no Inaki.

In the land of the Kumaso they find the leader by the name of Torishikaya with Yamato Takeru disguising himeself as a woman to join the leaders banquet taking a seat next to him.

After Torishikaya becomes drunk, Yamato Takeru takes a out a hidden sword and stabs him in the breast, though he doesnt immediately die. Torishikaya asks who he is giving him his new name of Yamato Dake before he is finally killed.

Following this the remaining Kumaso are killed by the men he brought with him.¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

	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 Kumaso Rebellions appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

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.

	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 Palaces appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• • Period: Legendary Period
  • Occupation: Prince
  • Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Yamatohime (sister) Wakakiiribiko (brother)
  • Birth: –
  • Death: –

Inishikinoiribiko

Inishikinoiribiko (五十瓊敷入彦命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime.

During his lifetime he is said to have lived in the Kahakami Palace in Totori and constructed the Pools of Chinu, Sayama and Takatsu at Kusaka.

He had one thousand swords made which he gave to the Isonokami Shrine and also established the Kahakamibe.¹²

In the 30th year of his fathers reign he and his brother Ōtarashihiko were commanded to state what it is that they want. Inishikinoiribiko says all he wants is a bow and arrow, Ōhotarashihiko saying he wanted the throne.

Due to this the asked for gifts were given and Ōtarashihiko was made heir officially in his 37th year of his ruling.³

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.
3. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

	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 Inishikinoiribiko appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• • Period: Legendary Period
  • Occupation: Princess
  • Family: Homutsuwake (husband)
  • Birth: –
  • Death: –

Hinagahime

Hinagahime (肥長比売) was the wife of Prince Homutsuwake.

After the Prince had learnt to speak he was left to live in the palace of Nagaho in Ajimasa.

Here he married Hinagahime for a single night where he discovered she was a serpent and flees from her. She pursued him to the ocean, where he then flees up valleys in his boat towards Yamato.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.

	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 Hinagahime appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• • Period: Legendary Period
  • Occupation: Prince
  • Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Sahobime (mother) Hinagahime (wife)
  • Birth: –
  • Death: –

Homutsuwake

Homutsuwake (誉津別命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Sahobime.¹²³

Birth

Nihongi Version

Homutsuwake was born prior to the assassination attempt on his father’s life by his mother.

His mother, mourning that she nearly took her husbands life, sneaks into her brothers castle (Sahobiko) with the prince Homutsuwake.

Attacks by the emperor against the castle intensify and eventually the castle is set on fire.¹

Kojiki Version

In the kojiki the Empress had not yet given birth, and so after entering the castle the Emperor turned aside his armies to allow her to have her child. After this the child was put outside the stronghold. The Emperor being told if he considered the boy his child he could come and take him.

He sends his men to take the child and to also try and capture the Empress.

Angered they were unable to capture his wife he asks her to choose the childs name. As he had been born as the castle burnt she gave him the name Homutsuwake (Fire-possessing Lord)

Suinin then asked how he should raise the child, Sahobime saying to give him a foster mother and bathing women.

He then asks who should remove the girdle she placed around his waist and in reply she says Yehime and Otohime, daughters of Tatsumichinoushi Prince of Taniha as their parentage is unsullied.

And so the Empreror kills Sahobiko and Sahohime.

Homuchiwake was then entertained after they made a canoe for him from cedar from Ahidzu in Wohari and they placed it in the pools of Ichishi and Karu in Yamato.²³

Homutsuwake learns to talk

Nihongi Version

By the age of 30 the prince still did not speak. One day he sees a swan and finally talks saying ‘what is this thing?’

The Emperor happy at this asks who will go and collect this swan for his son. Amano Yukaha Tana volunteers and pursues it all the way to Tajima.

After capturing the swan, he returns and presents it to Homutsuwake and he finally learns to speak.

The Emperor then gives Amano the title of Tottori no Miyakko and also at this time established the Be of Torikahibe and Homutsube.¹

Kojiki Version

It is said someone by the name of Yamanobe no Ohotaka was sent to go and collect the swan.

He followed the swan through Harima to Kii, Inaba to Tanba, Tajima then eastwards until Afumi,  Minu to Wohari, and finally Shinano to Koshi. There in the estuary of Wanami he caught it and brought it to the Emperor.

The emperor thought seeing the bird again would make the prince talk, but it did not, and so the Emperor retired and had a dream. He dreamt a kami said if he built a shrine like his abode then the prince would speak.

The next day he asks an oracle to see which deity spoke finding out it was Ōkuninushi who had placed this curse on the prince. The Emperor readied the Prince to go to the shrine to pay reverence, with a man called Aketatsu being sent to attend to him.

Aketatsu swore a sacred oath ‘if there is an answer to be found in adoring this kami, then let the heron I see on Sagisu no ike fall dead.’ And the heron then died.

In reply to this he said ‘by this oath live’ and the heron came back to life. By his oath he then made wither and come back to life an oak upon Cape Amakashi (Amakashi no saki)

They also leave with Prince Unakami leaving Nara through the Ki Gate, as leaving through the Nara Gate or Ohosaka Gate would have caused them to meet a lame or blind person which was bad luck. On their journey everyone they pass they give the name of Homujibe.

After arriving at the shrine, they pray and return. A temporary Palace with a black plaited bridge is then made for Homutsuwake in the middle of the River Hi.

A man called Kihisatsumi then made a mountain adorned with green leaves and placed it downstream. Just before he presented food to Homutsuwake he finally spoke.

‘This mountain is not a mountain, perhaps it is the court of those who worship Ashiharashikowo.’

And so they informed the Emperor and he rejoiced, and the prince was left to live in the palace of Nagaho in Ajimasa.

Here he married Hinagahime for a single night where he discovered she was a serpent and flees from her. She pursued him to the ocean, where he then flees up valleys in his boat towards Yamato.²³

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
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.

	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 Homutsuwake appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

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.

	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 Kaika appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

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.

	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 Kōgen appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

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.

	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 Kōrei appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

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.

	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 Kōan appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.