Emperor Go-Sanjo
Encyclopedia
was the 71st emperor
of Japan
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Go-Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1068 through 1073.
This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō
and go- (後), translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō". The Japanese word "go" has also been translated to mean the "second one;" and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Sanjō, the second," or as "Sanjo II."
, his personal name (imina) was Takahito-shinnō (尊仁親王).
Takahito-shinnō was the second son of Emperor Go-Suzaku
. His mother was Empress (kōgō) Sadako (禎子内親王), the third daughter of Emperor Sanjō
, making him the first Emperor in 170 years (since Emperor Uda
) whose mother was not of Fujiwara descent paternally. His father and mother were grandchildren of Fujiwara no Michinaga
maternally. The Empress mother of the future Emperor Go-Sanjō was also known as Tishi, and a Yōmei-mon In (1012–94).
Go-Sanjō had three Empresses and seven Imperial sons and daughters.
decreed that upon his elder brother Chikahito's enthronement (as Emperor Go-Reizei
), that Takahito would become the heir (kōtaitei). As Go-Reizei had no children of his own, upon his death, Takahito became emperor.
Yorimichi's younger brother Norimichi became kampaku, but Go-Sanjō was determined to rule personally.
Go-Sanjō is buried amongst the "Seven Imperial Tombs" at Ryoan-ji
in Kyoto.
The actual site of Go-Sanjō's grave
is known. This emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial
Shinto
shrine
(misasagi) at Kyoto.
The Imperial Household Agency
designates this location as Go-Sanjō's mausoleum
. It is formally named Yensō-ji no misasagi.
The mound which commemorates the Hosokawa Emperor Go-Sanjō is today named Shu-zan. The emperor's burial place would have been quite humble in the period after Go-Sanjō died.
These tombs reached their present state as a result of the 19th century restoration of imperial sepulchers (misasagi) which were ordered by Emperor Meiji.
in pre-Meiji
eras. Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted.
In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Go-Sanjō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
Emperor
An emperor is a monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife or a woman who rules in her own right...
of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Go-Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1068 through 1073.
This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō
Emperor Sanjo
was the 67th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.-Traditional narrative:...
and go- (後), translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō". The Japanese word "go" has also been translated to mean the "second one;" and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Sanjō, the second," or as "Sanjo II."
Traditional narrative
Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum ThroneChrysanthemum Throne
The is the English term used to identify the throne of the Emperor of Japan. The term can refer to very specific seating, such as the takamikura throne in the Shishin-den at Kyoto Imperial Palace....
, his personal name (imina) was Takahito-shinnō (尊仁親王).
Takahito-shinnō was the second son of Emperor Go-Suzaku
Emperor Go-Suzaku
was the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.This 11th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Suzaku and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the...
. His mother was Empress (kōgō) Sadako (禎子内親王), the third daughter of Emperor Sanjō
Emperor Sanjo
was the 67th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.-Traditional narrative:...
, making him the first Emperor in 170 years (since Emperor Uda
Emperor Uda
was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.-Name and legacy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Chōjiin-tei....
) whose mother was not of Fujiwara descent paternally. His father and mother were grandchildren of Fujiwara no Michinaga
Fujiwara no Michinaga
represents the highpoint of the Fujiwara regents' control over the government of Japan.-Early life:He was the fourth or fifth son of Fujiwara no Kaneie by his wife Tokihime, daughter of Fujiwara no Nakamasa...
maternally. The Empress mother of the future Emperor Go-Sanjō was also known as Tishi, and a Yōmei-mon In (1012–94).
Go-Sanjō had three Empresses and seven Imperial sons and daughters.
- 1050-1131 Imperial Princess Toshiko (聡子内親王)
- 1053-1129 Imperial Prince Sadahito (貞仁親王) (Emperor ShirakawaEmperor Shirakawawas the 72nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shirakawa's reign lasted from 1073 to 1087.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadahito-shinnō ....
) - 1056-1132 Imperial Princess Toshiko (俊子内親王) - Higuchi? saigū (樋口斎宮) (Saigū = Imperial Princess serving at the Grand Shrine of Ise)
- 1057-1130 Imperial Princess Kako (佳子内親王) - Tomi-no-kōji Saiin 富小路斎院
- 1060-1114 Imperial Princess Tokushi (篤子内親王) - Empress (chūgū of Emperor HorikawaEmperor Horikawawas the 73rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Horikawa's reign spanned the years from 1087 through 1107.-Traditional narrative:...
) - 1071-1185 Imperial Prince Sanehito (実仁親王) - Shirakawa's would-be heir
- 1073-1119 Imperial Prince Sukehito (輔仁親王)
Events of Go-Sanjō's life
Because he was not of Fujiwara descent, the Kampaku, Fujiwara no Yorimichi neglected him, but Emperor Go-SuzakuEmperor Go-Suzaku
was the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.This 11th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Suzaku and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the...
decreed that upon his elder brother Chikahito's enthronement (as Emperor Go-Reizei
Emperor Go-Reizei
was the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor...
), that Takahito would become the heir (kōtaitei). As Go-Reizei had no children of his own, upon his death, Takahito became emperor.
- May 22, 1068 (JiryakuJiryakuwas a after Kōhei and before Enkyū. This period spanned the years from August 1065 through April 1069. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1065 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
4, 19th day of the 4th month): In the 4th year of Emperor Go-Reizei's reign (後冷泉天皇4年), he died at age 44; and the succession (senso) was received by a his son. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Go-Sanjo is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).
Yorimichi's younger brother Norimichi became kampaku, but Go-Sanjō was determined to rule personally.
- 1069 (Enkyū 1): Go-Sanjō issued the Enkyū Shōen Regulation Decree (EnkyūEnkyuwas a after Jiryaku and before Jōhō. This period spanned the years from April 1069 through August 1074. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1069 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
being the name of the eraJapanese era nameThe Japanese era calendar scheme is a common calendar scheme used in Japan, which identifies a year by the combination of the and the year number within the era...
in which the decree was issued); and the emperor called for the establishment of a government office to certify Shōen records.
- 1070 (Enkyū 2): Go-Sanjō orderd the beginnings of a system of laws and a bureaucracy for regulating silk.
- 1072 (Enkyū 4): The Ritsuryō System of centralized authority having largely failed, Go-Sanjo became interested in strengthen the finances of the Imperial Household.
- January 18, 1072 (Enkyū 4, 8th day of the 12th month): In the 6th year of Emperor Go-Sanjō-tennō 's reign (桓武天皇6年), the emperor in favor of his son, and the succession (senso') was received by his son. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Shirakawa is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).
- May 11, 1073 (Enkyū 5, 21st day of the 4th month): Go-Sanjō entered the Buddhist priesthood; and his new priestly name became Kongō-gyō.
- June 15, 1073 (Enkyū 5, 7th day of the 5th month): The former-Emperor Go-Sanjō died at the age of 40.
Ryoan-ji
is a Zen temple located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. Belonging to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism, the temple and karesansui garden is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site....
in Kyoto.
The actual site of Go-Sanjō's grave
Grave (burial)
A grave is a location where a dead body is buried. Graves are usually located in special areas set aside for the purpose of burial, such as graveyards or cemeteries....
is known. This emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial
Memorial
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person or an event. Popular forms of memorials include landmark objects or art objects such as sculptures, statues or fountains, and even entire parks....
Shinto
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
shrine
Shrine
A shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
(misasagi) at Kyoto.
The Imperial Household Agency
Imperial Household Agency
The is a government agency of Japan in charge of the state matters concerning Japan's imperial family and also keeping the Privy Seal and the State Seal...
designates this location as Go-Sanjō's mausoleum
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or persons. A monument without the interment is a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb or the tomb may be considered to be within the...
. It is formally named Yensō-ji no misasagi.
The mound which commemorates the Hosokawa Emperor Go-Sanjō is today named Shu-zan. The emperor's burial place would have been quite humble in the period after Go-Sanjō died.
These tombs reached their present state as a result of the 19th century restoration of imperial sepulchers (misasagi) which were ordered by Emperor Meiji.
Kugyō
is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of JapanEmperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
in pre-Meiji
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
eras. Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted.
In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Go-Sanjō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
- Kampaku, Fujiwara Norimichi (997-1075).
- Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara Norimichi.
- SadaijinSadaijin, most commonly translated as "Minister of the Left", was a government position in Japan in the late Nara and Heian periods. The position was consolidated in the Taihō Code of 702. The Asuka Kiyomihara Code of 689 marks the initial appearance of the Sadaijin in the context of a central...
, Fujiwara Morozone, 1042-1101. - UdaijinUdaijinUdaijin , most commonly translated as the "Minister of the Right", was a government position in Japan in the late Nara and Heian periods. The position was consolidated in the Taihō Code of 702. The Asuka Kiyomihara Code of 689 marks the initial appearance of the Udaijin in the context of a central...
- Nadaijin
- DainagonDainagonwas a counselor of the first rank in the Imperial court of Japan. The role dates from the 7th century.This advisory position remained a part of the Imperial court from the 8th century until the Meiji period in the 19th century....
Eras of Go-Sanjō's reign
The years of Go-Sanjō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.- JiryakuJiryakuwas a after Kōhei and before Enkyū. This period spanned the years from August 1065 through April 1069. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1065 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
(1065–1069) - EnkyūEnkyuwas a after Jiryaku and before Jōhō. This period spanned the years from April 1069 through August 1074. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1069 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
(1069–1074)
Consorts
- 1029-1093 Empress (chūgū) Keiko?Princess KaorukoPrincess Kaoruko was an Empress consort of Japan. She was the consort of Emperor Go-Sanjō of Japan.- Sources :...
(馨子), second daughter of Emperor Go-IchijōEmperor Go-Ichijowas the 68th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 1016 through 1036.This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Ichijō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Ichijō"... - ????-1062 Empress Dowager: Fujiwara Shigeko (藤原茂子), daughter of Fujiwara no Kinnari (藤原公成), adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshinobu (藤原能信)
- 1047-1134 Court Lady: Minamoto no Motoko (源基子), daughter of Minamoto no Motohira (源基平)
- Court Lady: Fujiwara no Akiko (藤原昭子) - daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimune (藤原頼宗)
See also
- Emperor of JapanEmperor of JapanThe Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
- List of Emperors of Japan
- Imperial cultImperial cultAn imperial cult is a form of state religion in which an emperor, or a dynasty of emperors , are worshipped as messiahs, demigods or deities. "Cult" here is used to mean "worship", not in the modern pejorative sense...