Emperor Ichijo
Encyclopedia
was the 66th emperor
of Japan
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 986 to 1011.
, his personal name (imina) was Kanehito-shinnō.
Kanehito-shinnō was the first son of Emperor En'yū
and Fujiwara no Senshi, a daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie
. Since there are no documented siblings, it is supposed that he was an only child.
Ichijō had 5 Empresses or Imperial consorts and 5 Imperial sons and daughters.
culture and the apex of the power of the Fujiwara clan.
In 984, he was appointed as crown prince
under Emperor Kazan
. It was rumored contemporarily that his maternal grandfather Kaneie plotted to have Kazan retire from the throne.
Ichijō ascended the throne at the age of seven.
A son of Emperor Reizei
, who was older than Ichijō, was appointed crown prince. Kaneie became the regent (Sesshō) and effectively ruled the state. After Kaneie died in 990, his first son and Ichijō's uncle Fujiwara no Michitaka
was appointed regent.
Ichijō had two empress consorts. First was Teishi (or Fujiwara no Sadako), a daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka, second was Shōshi
(or Akiko), a daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
, a younger brother of Michitaka. Most people thought it impossible to have two empress consorts, but Michinaga claimed that the empress held two separate titles, Chūgū and Kōgō, which were different in principle and could therefore given to two different women.
The courts of both empresses were known as centers of culture. Sei Shōnagon
, author of The Pillow Book
, was a lady in waiting to Teishi. Murasaki Shikibu
was a lady in waiting to Shoshi. There were other famous poets in the courts of the empresses.
Ichijō loved literature and music. For this reason, high ranked courtiers felt the necessity for their daughter to hold cultural salon
s with many skillful lady poets. Particularly he was fond of the flute. Ichijō was known for his temperate character and beloved by his subjects.
During Ichijō's reign, Imperial visits were first made to the following four shrines: Kasuga
, Ōharano
, Matsunoo
, and Kitano; and in the years which followed, Emperors traditionally made yearly Imperial visits to these shrines and to three others: Kamo, Iwashimizu
and Hirano
.
The actual site of Ichijō'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 Ichijō's mausoleum
. It is formally named En'yū-ji no kita no misasagi.
Ichijō is buried amongst the "Seven Imperial Tombs" at Ryoan-ji
Temple in Kyoto. The mound which commemorates the Emperor Ichijō is today named Kinugasa-yama. The emperor's burial place would have been quite humble in the period after Ichijo 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.
In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career.
During Kazan's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
(Kōgō): Fujiwara no Teishi
/Sadako (藤原定子) (977-1001), 1st daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka
(藤原道隆)
Empress
(Chūgū): Fujiwara no Shōshi/Akiko
(藤原彰子) (988-1074), daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
(藤原道長); later Nyoin (女院) 'Jōtō-mon In' (上東門院)
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Gishi (藤原義子) (974-1053), daughter of Fujiwara no Kinsue
(藤原公季)
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Genshi (藤原元子) (?-?), daughter of Fujiwara no Akimitsu
(藤原顕光); later, married to Minamoto no Yorisada (源頼定)
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Sonshi (藤原尊子) (984-1022), daughter of Fujiwara no Michikane
(藤原道兼); later, married to Fujiwara no Michitō (藤原通任) in 1015
Court lady (Mikushige-dono-no-Bettō
): 4th daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka
(藤原道隆の娘) (?-1002)
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.
Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 986 to 1011.
Traditional narrative
Before he ascended 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 Kanehito-shinnō.
Kanehito-shinnō was the first son of Emperor En'yū
Emperor En'yu
was the 64th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.En'yū's reign spanned the years from 969 through 984.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Morihira-shinnō....
and Fujiwara no Senshi, a daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie
Fujiwara no Kaneie
was a Japanese statesman, courtier and politician during the Heian period.-Career:Kaneie served as a minister during the reigns of Emperor En'yū, Emperor Kazan and Emperor Go-Ichijō....
. Since there are no documented siblings, it is supposed that he was an only child.
Ichijō had 5 Empresses or Imperial consorts and 5 Imperial sons and daughters.
Events of Ichijō's life
His reign coincided with the culmination of Heian periodHeian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
culture and the apex of the power of the Fujiwara clan.
In 984, he was appointed as crown prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
under Emperor Kazan
Emperor Kazan
was the 65th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kazan's reign spanned the years from 984 through 986.-Traditional narrative:...
. It was rumored contemporarily that his maternal grandfather Kaneie plotted to have Kazan retire from the throne.
Ichijō ascended the throne at the age of seven.
- July 31, 986 (KannaKannaKanna may refer to:*Sceletium tortuosum, a Southern African succulent used by indigenous people of the area and currently world-wide for its psychoactive qualities....
2, 22nd day of the 6th month): In the 2nd year of Emperor Kazan's reign (花山天皇2年), he abdicated; and the succession (senso) was received by a cousin, the son of his father's younger brother. - August 1, 986 (Kanna 2, 23rd day of the 6th month): Emperor Ichijō is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).
A son of Emperor Reizei
Emperor Reizei
was the 63rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Reizei's reign spanned the years from 967 through 969.-Traditional narrative:...
, who was older than Ichijō, was appointed crown prince. Kaneie became the regent (Sesshō) and effectively ruled the state. After Kaneie died in 990, his first son and Ichijō's uncle Fujiwara no Michitaka
Fujiwara no Michitaka
, the first son of Kaneie, was a Kugyō of the Heian period. He served as regent for the Emperor Ichijō, and later as Kampaku...
was appointed regent.
- March 1, 991 (ShōryakuShoryakuwas a after Eiso and before Chōtoku. This period spanned the years from November 990 through February 995. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 990 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
2, 12t h day of the 2nd month): The former-Emperor En'yū died at the age of 33. - 1008 (KankōKankowas a after Chōhō and before Chōwa. This period spanned the years from July 1004 through December 1012. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1004 : The era namewas changed to mark an event or series of events...
5, 8th day of the 2nd month): Kazan died at the age of 41. - July 16, 1011 (Kankō 8, 13th day of the 6th month): In the 25th year of Emperor Ichijō's reign (一条天皇25年), the emperor abdicated; and the succession (senso) was received by his cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Sanjō is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).
- July 25, 1011 (Kankō 8, 22nd day of the 6th month): Emperor Ichijō died.
Ichijō had two empress consorts. First was Teishi (or Fujiwara no Sadako), a daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka, second was Shōshi
Empress Shōshi
or Empress Shōshi , , also known as , the eldest daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga, was Empress of Japan from c. 1000 to c. 1011...
(or Akiko), a daughter 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...
, a younger brother of Michitaka. Most people thought it impossible to have two empress consorts, but Michinaga claimed that the empress held two separate titles, Chūgū and Kōgō, which were different in principle and could therefore given to two different women.
The courts of both empresses were known as centers of culture. Sei Shōnagon
Sei Shonagon
Sei Shōnagon , was a Japanese author and a court lady who served the Empress Teishi around the year 1000 during the middle Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Pillow Book .-Name:...
, author of The Pillow Book
The Pillow Book
is a book of observations and musings recorded by Sei Shōnagon during her time as court lady to Empress Consort Teishi during the 990s and early 11th century in Heian Japan. The book was completed in the year 1002....
, was a lady in waiting to Teishi. Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, written in Japanese between about 1000 and 1012...
was a lady in waiting to Shoshi. There were other famous poets in the courts of the empresses.
Ichijō loved literature and music. For this reason, high ranked courtiers felt the necessity for their daughter to hold cultural salon
Salon (gathering)
A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. These gatherings often consciously followed Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "either to...
s with many skillful lady poets. Particularly he was fond of the flute. Ichijō was known for his temperate character and beloved by his subjects.
During Ichijō's reign, Imperial visits were first made to the following four shrines: Kasuga
Kasuga Shrine
is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
, Ōharano
Ōharano Shrine
is a Shinto shrine located in Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.Ōhorano is dedicated to the Fujiwara tutelary kami, Amenokoyane, who was said to have assisted in the founding of the state.-History:...
, Matsunoo
Matsunoo Shrine
is a Shinto shrine located at the far western end of Shijo Street, approximately 1.3 kilometers south of the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It is home to a spring at the base of the mountain, Arashiyama, that is believed to be blessed....
, and Kitano; and in the years which followed, Emperors traditionally made yearly Imperial visits to these shrines and to three others: Kamo, Iwashimizu
Iwashimizu Shrine
The is a Shinto shrine in the city of Yawata in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. -History:The shrine's Heian period connections with the Kyoto and the Imperial family date from its founding in 859 when construction on its earliest structures commenced...
and Hirano
Hirano Shrine
The is a Shinto shrine in the city of Kyoto. This shrine is known and popular for its gardens and many trees.-History:The shrine was established in the year 794 by Emperor Kammu when the capital was transferred to Heian-kyō from Nagaoka-kyō. From the earliest years, the shrine has been often...
.
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 Ichijō'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 En'yū-ji no kita no misasagi.
Ichijō is buried amongst the "Seven Imperial Tombs" at Ryoan-ji
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....
Temple in Kyoto. The mound which commemorates the Emperor Ichijō is today named Kinugasa-yama. The emperor's burial place would have been quite humble in the period after Ichijo 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.
In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career.
During Kazan's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
- Sesshō, Fujiwara no KaneieFujiwara no Kaneiewas a Japanese statesman, courtier and politician during the Heian period.-Career:Kaneie served as a minister during the reigns of Emperor En'yū, Emperor Kazan and Emperor Go-Ichijō....
(藤原兼家), 929-990. - Sesshō, Fujiwara no MichitakaFujiwara no Michitaka, the first son of Kaneie, was a Kugyō of the Heian period. He served as regent for the Emperor Ichijō, and later as Kampaku...
(藤原道隆), 953-995. - Kampaku, Fujiwara no Kaneie.
- Kampaku, Fujiwara no Michikane, 961-995.
- Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara no Kaneie.
- Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara no Yoritada (藤原頼忠), 924-989.
- Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara no Tametisu (藤原為光), 942-992.
- 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 no Michinaga (藤原道長), 966-1027. - 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...
, Fujiwara no Michikane (藤原道兼). - Naidaijin, Fujiwara no Michitaka.
- Naidaijin, Fujiwara no Korechika (藤原伊周), 973-1010.
- Naidaijin, Kan'in Kinsue (藤原公季), 956-1029.
- 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 Ichijō's reign
The years of Ichijō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.- EienEienwas a after Kanna and before Eiso. This period spanned the years from April 987 through August 988. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* January 2, 987 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
(987-988) - EisoEisowas a after Eien and before Shōryaku. This period spanned the years from August 988 through November 990. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 989 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
(988-990) - ShōryakuShoryakuwas a after Eiso and before Chōtoku. This period spanned the years from November 990 through February 995. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 990 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
(990-995) - ChōtokuChotokuwas a after Eiso and before Chōhō. This period spanned the years from February 995 through January 999. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 995 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
(995-999) - ChōhōChoho (era)was a after Chōtoku and before Kankō. This period spanned the years from January 999 through July 1004. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 999 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of events...
(999-1004) - KankōKankowas a after Chōhō and before Chōwa. This period spanned the years from July 1004 through December 1012. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of Era:* 1004 : The era namewas changed to mark an event or series of events...
(1004–1012)
Consorts and children
EmpressJapanese empresses
In Japan, empress may refer to either or .- Empresses regnant :There were eight female imperial reigns in Japan's early history between 593 and 770, and two more in the early modern period...
(Kōgō): Fujiwara no Teishi
Fujiwara no Teishi
Fujiwara no Teishi was an Empress consort of Japan. She was the consort of Emperor Ichijō of Japan.- Sources :...
/Sadako (藤原定子) (977-1001), 1st daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka
Fujiwara no Michitaka
, the first son of Kaneie, was a Kugyō of the Heian period. He served as regent for the Emperor Ichijō, and later as Kampaku...
(藤原道隆)
- Imperial Princess Shushi (脩子内親王) (997-1049)
- Imperial Prince Atsuyasu (敦康親王) (999-1019)
- Imperial Princess Bishi (1001–1008)
Empress
Japanese empresses
In Japan, empress may refer to either or .- Empresses regnant :There were eight female imperial reigns in Japan's early history between 593 and 770, and two more in the early modern period...
(Chūgū): Fujiwara no Shōshi/Akiko
Empress Shōshi
or Empress Shōshi , , also known as , the eldest daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga, was Empress of Japan from c. 1000 to c. 1011...
(藤原彰子) (988-1074), daughter 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...
(藤原道長); later Nyoin (女院) 'Jōtō-mon In' (上東門院)
- Imperial Prince Atsuhira (敦成親王) (1008–1036) (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"...
) - Imperial Prince Atsunaga (敦良親王) (1009–1045) (Emperor Go-SuzakuEmperor Go-Suzakuwas 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...
)
Nyōgo
Kokyu
The is a traditional Japanese string instrument, the only one played with a bow. Although it was introduced to Japan from China along with the shamisen, its material, shape, and sound are unique to Japan...
: Fujiwara no Gishi (藤原義子) (974-1053), daughter of Fujiwara no Kinsue
Fujiwara no Kinsue
Fujiwara no Kinsue , also known as Kaikō, was a Japanese statesman, courtier and politician during the Heian period.-Career:Kinsue served as a minister during the reign of Emperor Go-Ichijō....
(藤原公季)
Nyōgo
Kokyu
The is a traditional Japanese string instrument, the only one played with a bow. Although it was introduced to Japan from China along with the shamisen, its material, shape, and sound are unique to Japan...
: Fujiwara no Genshi (藤原元子) (?-?), daughter of Fujiwara no Akimitsu
Fujiwara no Akimitsu
was a Japanese Heian period bureaucrat, who held the post of Sadaijin . His father was Fujiwara no Kanemichi.Akimitsu is known for having been involved in a strange set of circumstances regarding his daughter, En-shi. En-shi was married to the Emperor's son, Imperial Prince Atsuakira...
(藤原顕光); later, married to Minamoto no Yorisada (源頼定)
Nyōgo
Kokyu
The is a traditional Japanese string instrument, the only one played with a bow. Although it was introduced to Japan from China along with the shamisen, its material, shape, and sound are unique to Japan...
: Fujiwara no Sonshi (藤原尊子) (984-1022), daughter of Fujiwara no Michikane
Fujiwara no Michikane
Fujiwara no Michikane , the son of Kaneie, was a kugyo and bonze of the Heian period.When his nephew took the throne as Emperor Ichijō in 994, he returned from monastic life and took the government position of Udaijin...
(藤原道兼); later, married to Fujiwara no Michitō (藤原通任) in 1015
Court lady (Mikushige-dono-no-Bettō
Kokyu
The is a traditional Japanese string instrument, the only one played with a bow. Although it was introduced to Japan from China along with the shamisen, its material, shape, and sound are unique to Japan...
): 4th daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka
Fujiwara no Michitaka
, the first son of Kaneie, was a Kugyō of the Heian period. He served as regent for the Emperor Ichijō, and later as Kampaku...
(藤原道隆の娘) (?-1002)
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...
- 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"...
- Seimei ShrineSeimei Shrineis a Shinto shrine that is located in Kyoto, Japan. It is dedicated to the onmyōji, Abe no Seimei.-History:The Seimei Shrine was founded on the 4th year of the Kankō era by Emperor Ichijō, who ordered the shrine built in memory of Abe no Seimei, after his death in 1005...