Emperor Yozei
Encyclopedia
was the 57th emperor
of Japan
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.
, his personal name (his imina) was Sadaakira Shinnō (貞明親王).
Yōzei was the oldest son of Emperor Seiwa
. His mother was the Empress Fujiwara no Takakiko, who was also known after Seiwa's abdication as the Nijō empress. Yōzei's mother was the sister of Fujiwara no Mototsune
, who would figure prominently in the young emperor's life.
In ancient Japan, there were four noble clans, the Gempeitōkitsu (源平藤橘). One of these clans, the Minamoto clan (源氏)are also known as Genji, and of these, the Yōzei Genji (陽成源氏) are descended from the 57th emperor Yōzei.
Yōzei had nine Imperial sons, born after he had abdicated.
According to very scanty information from the Imperial archives, including sources such as Rikkokushi
, and Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku
, Emperor Yōzei murdered one of his retainers, an action that caused massive scandal in the Heian court. Japanese society during the Heian era was very sensitive to issues of "pollution," both spiritual and personal. Deaths (especially killing animals or people) were the worst acts of pollution possible, and warranted days of seclusion in order to purify oneself. Since the Emperor was seen as a divine figure and linked to the deities, pollution of such extreme degree committed by the highest source was seen as extremely ruinous. Many of the high court officials construed Emperor Yōzei's actions as exceeding the bounds of acceptable behavior, and as justifiable cause for the emperor to be forcibly deposed.
In Kitabatake Chikafusa
's 14th century account of Emperor Yōzei's reign, the emperor is described as possessing a "violent disposition" and unfit to be a ruler. In the end, when Fujiwara no Mototsune, who was Sesshō (regent for the child-emperor, 876-880), Kampaku (chief advisor or first secretary for the emperor, 880-890), and Daijō Daijin (Great Minister of the Council of State), decided that Yōzei should be removed from the throne, he discovered that there was general agreement amongst the kuge
that this was a correct and necessary decision.
Yōzei was succeeded by his father's uncle, Emperor Kōkō
; and in the reign of Kōkō's son, Emperor Uda
, the madness re-visited the tormented former emperor:
Yōzei lived in retirement until the age of 81.
The actual site of Yōzei'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 Yōzei's mausoleum
. It is formally named Kaguragaoka no Higashi no misasagi.
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 would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Yozei's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
: Imperial Princess Kanshi (簡子内親王) (?-914), daughter of Emperor Kōkō
Hi
: Imperial Princess Yasuko (綏子内親王) (?-925), daughter of Emperor Kōkō
Hi
: Princess Aneko (姉子女王)
Court lady: A daughter of Fujiwara no Tōnaga (藤原遠永の娘)
Court lady: A daughter of Ki clan (紀氏の娘)
Court lady: A daughter of Saeki clan (佐伯氏の娘)
Court lady: A daughter of Tomo clan (伴氏の娘)
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.
Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.
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 (his imina) was Sadaakira Shinnō (貞明親王).
Yōzei was the oldest son of Emperor Seiwa
Emperor Seiwa
was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.-Traditional narrative:...
. His mother was the Empress Fujiwara no Takakiko, who was also known after Seiwa's abdication as the Nijō empress. Yōzei's mother was the sister of Fujiwara no Mototsune
Fujiwara no Mototsune
, also known as Horikawa Daijin, was a statesman, courtier and politician during the Nara period.Mototsune continued the trend begun by Yoshifusa of monopolizing the position of regent to the Japanese emperor. He was third son of Fujiwara no Nagayoshi, brother of Yoshifusa, and Fujiwara no Otoharu...
, who would figure prominently in the young emperor's life.
In ancient Japan, there were four noble clans, the Gempeitōkitsu (源平藤橘). One of these clans, the Minamoto clan (源氏)are also known as Genji, and of these, the Yōzei Genji (陽成源氏) are descended from the 57th emperor Yōzei.
Yōzei had nine Imperial sons, born after he had abdicated.
Events of Yōzei's life
Yōzei was made emperor when he was an immature, unformed young boy.- 869 (JōganJoganwas a after Ten'an and before Gangyō. This period spanned the years from April 859 through April 877. The two reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* February 7, 859 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
10): Yōzei was born, and he is named Seiwa's heir in the following year. - December 18, 876 (Jōgan 18, 29th day of the 11th month): In the 18th year of Emperor Seiwa's reign (清和天皇18年), he ceded his throne to his son, which meant that the young child received the succession (senso). Shortly thereafter, Emperor Yōzei formally acceded to the throne (sokui).
- January 20, 877 (GangyōGangyowas a after Jōgan and before Ninna. This period spanned the years from April 877 through February 885. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* January 18, 877 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
1, 3rd day of the 1st month): Yōzei was formally enthroned at age 8; and the beginning of a new nengō was proclaimed. However, the new residence being constructed for the emperor had not been completed; and initially, he must live elsewhere in the palace compound. - 877 (Gangyō 1, 2nd month): Ambassadors from BaekjeBaekjeBaekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
arrived in the province of Izumo; but they were turned back. - 877 (Gangyō 1, 6th month): There was a great drought; and sacrifices were made at the temples of HachimanHachimanIn Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
, KamoKamo-Japan:*Kamo, Niigata*Kamo District, Gifu*Kamo District, Hiroshima*Kamo District, Shizuoka*Kamo, Kyoto*Kamo, Okayama*Kamo, Shimane*Kamo, Shizuoka*Kamō, Kagoshima*The Kamo River in Kyoto-Rest of the world:*Gavar, Armenia - formerly Kamo*Kamo, Armenia...
and other temples in Ise provinceIse Provinceor was a province of Japan including most of modern Mie Prefecture. Ise bordered Iga, Kii, Mino, Ōmi, Owari, Shima, and Yamato Provinces.The ancient provincial capital was at Suzuka...
. Eventually, it rained. - 883 (Gangyō 7, 1st month): In his early teens, Yōzei often spent time alone; and sometimes he would feed live frogs to snakes so that he could watch the reptile swallowing; or sometimes, he would find pleasure in setting dogs and monkeys to fight. In time, these amusements became more dangerous. He himself executed criminals. When he became angry, he sometimes chased after those who dared speak up; and he sometimes tried to use his sword. Fujiwara no Mototsune, the Kanpaku, used every possible opportunity to turn Yōzei towards more seemly conduct, but the emperor closed his ears to all remonstrances.
- 884 (Gangyō 8, 1st month): The extravagant and dangerous habits of the emperor continued unabated. At one point, Mototsune came to the court and discovered that Yōzei had arranged a bizarre scenario for his diversion: He ordered some men to climb high into trees, and then he ordered others to use sharp lances to poke at these men in trees until they fell to their deaths. This extraordinary event convinced Motosune that the emperor was too "undignified" to reign. Mototsune reluctantly realized that someone needed to devise a strategy for deposing the emperor. Shortly thereafter, Mototsune approached Yōzei and remarked that it must be boring to be so often alone, and then Mototsune suggested that the emperor might be amused by a horse race. Yōzei was attracted to this proposition, and he eagerly encouraged Mototsune to set a time and place for the event. It was decided that this special amusement for the emperor would take place on the 4th day of the 2nd month of Gangyō 8.
- March 4, 884 (Gangyō 8, 4th day of the 2nd month): The pretext of a special horse race enticed the emperor to leave his palace. Yōzei traveled in a carriage which was quickly surrounded by a heavy guard. The carriage was redirected to "Yo seí in" palace ("Yang tchhing yuan") at "Ni zio", a town situated a short distance to the south-west of Miyako. Mototsune confronted the emperor, explaining that his demented behavior made him incapable of reigning, and that he was being dethroned. At this news, Yōzei cried sincerely, which did attract feelings of compassion from those who witnessed his contrition.
According to very scanty information from the Imperial archives, including sources such as Rikkokushi
Rikkokushi
is a general term for Japan's six national histories chronicling the mythology and history of Japan from the earliest times to AD 887. The six histories were written at the imperial court during the eighth and ninth centuries, under order of the Emperors...
, and Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku
Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku
, abbreviated as Sandai Jitsuroku, is an officially commissioned Japanese history text. Completed in 901, it is the sixth and final text in the Six National Histories series. It covers the years 858-887.-Background:...
, Emperor Yōzei murdered one of his retainers, an action that caused massive scandal in the Heian court. Japanese society during the Heian era was very sensitive to issues of "pollution," both spiritual and personal. Deaths (especially killing animals or people) were the worst acts of pollution possible, and warranted days of seclusion in order to purify oneself. Since the Emperor was seen as a divine figure and linked to the deities, pollution of such extreme degree committed by the highest source was seen as extremely ruinous. Many of the high court officials construed Emperor Yōzei's actions as exceeding the bounds of acceptable behavior, and as justifiable cause for the emperor to be forcibly deposed.
In Kitabatake Chikafusa
Kitabatake Chikafusa
was a Japanese court noble and writer of the 14th century who supported the Southern Court in the Nanboku-cho period, serving as advisor to five Emperors. Some of his greatest and most famous work was performed during the reign of Emperor Go-Daigo, under whom he proposed a series of reforms,...
's 14th century account of Emperor Yōzei's reign, the emperor is described as possessing a "violent disposition" and unfit to be a ruler. In the end, when Fujiwara no Mototsune, who was Sesshō (regent for the child-emperor, 876-880), Kampaku (chief advisor or first secretary for the emperor, 880-890), and Daijō Daijin (Great Minister of the Council of State), decided that Yōzei should be removed from the throne, he discovered that there was general agreement amongst the kuge
Kuge
The was a Japanese aristocratic class that dominated the Japanese imperial court in Kyoto until the rise of the Shogunate in the 12th century at which point it was eclipsed by the daimyo...
that this was a correct and necessary decision.
Yōzei was succeeded by his father's uncle, Emperor Kōkō
Emperor Koko
was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of...
; and in the reign of Kōkō's son, 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....
, the madness re-visited the tormented former emperor:
- 889 (Kanpyō 1, 10th month): The former emperor Yōzei was newly attacked by the mental illness. Yōzei would enter the palace and address courtiers he would meet with the greatest rudeness. He became increasingly furious. He garroted women with the strings of musical instruments and then threw the bodies into a lake. While riding on horseback, he directed his mount to run over people. Sometimes he simply disappeared into the mountains where he chased wild boars and Sika DeerSika DeerThe Sika Deer, Cervus nippon, also known as the Spotted Deer or the Japanese Deer, is a species of deer native to much of East Asia and introduced to various other parts of the world...
, which in ShintoShintoor 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...
cosmology, were considered to be messengers of the kami.
Yōzei lived in retirement until the age of 81.
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 Yōzei'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 Kaguragaoka no Higashi no misasagi.
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 would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Yozei's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
- Sesshō, Fujiwara no MototsuneFujiwara no Mototsune, also known as Horikawa Daijin, was a statesman, courtier and politician during the Nara period.Mototsune continued the trend begun by Yoshifusa of monopolizing the position of regent to the Japanese emperor. He was third son of Fujiwara no Nagayoshi, brother of Yoshifusa, and Fujiwara no Otoharu...
(藤原基経), 836-891. - Kampaku, Fujiwara no Mototsune (藤原基経).
- Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara no Mototsune.
- 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...
, Minamoto no Tōru (源融). - 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 Mototsune. - Udaijin, Minamoto no Masaru (源多).
- Naidaijin (not appointed)
- 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....
, Minamoto no Masaru (源多). - 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....
, Minafuchi no Toshina (南淵年名), 807-877
Eras of Yōzei's reign
The years of Yōzei's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.- JōganJoganwas a after Ten'an and before Gangyō. This period spanned the years from April 859 through April 877. The two reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* February 7, 859 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
(859-877) - GangyōGangyowas a after Jōgan and before Ninna. This period spanned the years from April 877 through February 885. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* January 18, 877 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
(877-885)
Consorts and Children
HiKokyu
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...
: Imperial Princess Kanshi (簡子内親王) (?-914), daughter of Emperor Kōkō
Emperor Koko
was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of...
Hi
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...
: Imperial Princess Yasuko (綏子内親王) (?-925), daughter of Emperor Kōkō
Emperor Koko
was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of...
Hi
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...
: Princess Aneko (姉子女王)
- Imperial Prince Motonaga (元長親王) (901-976)
- Imperial Prince Mototoshi (元利親王) (?-964)
- Imperial Princess Chōshi (長子内親王) (?-922)
- Imperial Princess Genshi (儼子内親王) (?-930)
Court lady: A daughter of Fujiwara no Tōnaga (藤原遠永の娘)
- Imperial Prince Motoyoshi (元良親王) (890-943)
- Imperial Prince Motohira (元平親王) (?-958)
Court lady: A daughter of Ki clan (紀氏の娘)
- Minamoto no Kiyokage (源清蔭) (884-950), Dainagon 948-950
Court lady: A daughter of Saeki clan (佐伯氏の娘)
- Minamoto no Kiyotō (源清遠) (?-912)
Court lady: A daughter of Tomo clan (伴氏の娘)
- Minamoto no Kiyomi (源清鑒) (?-936)
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...
- Deer (mythology)Deer (mythology)Deer have significant roles in the mythology of various peoples.-Celtic:The Insular Celts held deer as supernatural animals, "fairy cattle" that were herded and milked by a localised and benevolent fairy giantess in each district, who could shift shape to that of a red deer; in the West...
- Emperor Go-YōzeiEmperor Go-Yozeiwas the 107th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 1586 through 1611, corresponding to the transition between the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the Edo period....