Emperor Koko
Encyclopedia
was the 58th emperor
of Japan
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.
, his personal name (imina) was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of Komatsu."
Tokiyasu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō
. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako.
Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
was influential in the process by Kōkō became emperor. At the time Emperor Yōzei
was deposed, Prince Tokiaytsu was already Governor of Hitachi and Chief Minister of Ceremonies (Jibu-kyō, 治部卿)
According to Kitabatake Chikafusa's 14th century account, Mototsune resolved the problem of succession by simply going to visit Tokiyatsu-shinnō, where the kampaku addressed the prince as a sovereign and assigned imperial guards. The prince signaled his acceptance by going into the imperial palaquin, which then conducted him to the emperor's residence within the palace. Curiously, he was still wearing the robes of a prince when he decided to take this ride into an entirely unanticipated future.
During his reign, Kōkō revived many ancient court rituals and ceremonies, and one example is the imperial hawking excursion to Serikawa, which had been initiated in 796 by Emperor Kammu. This ritual event was revived by Kōkō after a lapse of 50 years.
The actual site of Kōkō'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 Kōkō'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 Kōkō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
: Princess Hanshi (班子女王) (833-900), daughter of Imperial Prince Nakano (son of Emperor Kammu
)
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Kamiko (藤原佳美子) (?-898), daughter of Fujiwara no Mototsune (藤原基経)
Nyōgo
: Taira no Motoko/Tōshi (平等子), daughter of Taira no Yoshikaze (平好風)
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Motoyoshi (藤原元善), daughter of Fujiwara no Yamakage (藤原山蔭)
Koui
: Shigeno no Naoiko (滋野直子)
Koui
: A daughter of Sanuki no Naganao (讃岐永直の娘)
Koui
: A daughter of Fujiwara no Kadomune (藤原門宗の娘)
Court lady: Princess Keishin (桂心女王), daughter of Prince Masami (正躬王)
Court lady: Sugawara no Ruishi (菅原類子), daughter of Sugawara no Koreyoshi (菅原是善)
Court lady: A daughter of Tajihi clan (多治氏の娘)
Court lady: A daughter of Fuse clan (布勢氏の娘)
(from unknown women)
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.
Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.
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 or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of Komatsu."
Tokiyasu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō
Emperor Nimmyo
was the 54th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Ninmyō's reign lasted from 833 to 850.-Traditional narrative:Ninmyō was the second son of Emperor Saga and the Empress Tachibana no Kachiko. His personal name was...
. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako.
Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
Events of Kōkō's life
The first kampaku 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...
was influential in the process by Kōkō became emperor. At the time Emperor Yōzei
Emperor Yozei
was the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:...
was deposed, Prince Tokiaytsu was already Governor of Hitachi and Chief Minister of Ceremonies (Jibu-kyō, 治部卿)
According to Kitabatake Chikafusa's 14th century account, Mototsune resolved the problem of succession by simply going to visit Tokiyatsu-shinnō, where the kampaku addressed the prince as a sovereign and assigned imperial guards. The prince signaled his acceptance by going into the imperial palaquin, which then conducted him to the emperor's residence within the palace. Curiously, he was still wearing the robes of a prince when he decided to take this ride into an entirely unanticipated future.
- February 4, 884 (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...
8, 4th day of the 1st month): In the 8th year of Emperor Yōzei's reign (陽成天皇8年), the emperor was deposed; and scholars then construed that the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by the third son of former Emperor Ninmyō, who was then age 55. - March 23, 884 (Gangyō 8, 23rd day of the 2nd month'): Emperor Kōkō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’).
- 885 (Gangyō 9): The era name was changed accordingly in 885.
During his reign, Kōkō revived many ancient court rituals and ceremonies, and one example is the imperial hawking excursion to Serikawa, which had been initiated in 796 by Emperor Kammu. This ritual event was revived by Kōkō after a lapse of 50 years.
- January 11, 886 (NinnaNinnawas a after Gangyō and before Kanpyō. This period spanned the years from February 885 through April 889. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* January 20, 885 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
2, 14th day of the 12th month): Kōkō traveled to Seri-gawa to hunt with falcons. He very much enjoyed this kind of hunting, and he often took time for this kind of activity. - September 17, 887 (Ninna 3, 26th day of the 8th month ) 仁和三年八月二十六日 -->: Kōkō died at the age of 57.
The actual site of Kōkō'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 Kōkō'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 Kōkō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
- Kampaku, 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) (Shōsen-kō, 昭宣公), 836-891. - 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...
, 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....
, Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (藤原良世) - 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....
, Fujiwara no Fuyuo (藤原冬緒)
Eras of Kōkō's reign
The years of Kōkō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.- 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) - NinnaNinnawas a after Gangyō and before Kanpyō. This period spanned the years from February 885 through April 889. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* January 20, 885 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
(885-889)
Consorts and children
KōtaigōKokyu
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 Hanshi (班子女王) (833-900), daughter of Imperial Prince Nakano (son of Emperor Kammu
Emperor Kammu
was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
)
- Imperial Prince Koretada (是忠親王) (857-922)
- Imperial Prince Koresada (是貞親王) (?-903)
- Minamoto no Motonaga (源元長) (?-883), dead before Emperor Kōkō's succession
- Imperial Prince Sadami (定省親王) (867-931) (Emperor UdaEmperor Udawas 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....
) - Imperial Princess Tadako (忠子内親王) (854-904), married to Emperor SeiwaEmperor Seiwawas the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.-Traditional narrative:...
- Imperial Princess Kanshi (簡子内親王) (?-914), married to Emperor YōzeiEmperor Yozeiwas the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:...
- Imperial Princess Yasuko (綏子内親王) (?-925), married to Emperor YōzeiEmperor Yozeiwas the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:...
- Imperial Princess Ishi (為子内親王) (?-899), married to Emperor DaigoEmperor Daigowas the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:...
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 Kamiko (藤原佳美子) (?-898), daughter of Fujiwara no Mototsune (藤原基経)
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...
: Taira no Motoko/Tōshi (平等子), daughter of Taira no Yoshikaze (平好風)
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 Motoyoshi (藤原元善), daughter of Fujiwara no Yamakage (藤原山蔭)
Koui
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...
: Shigeno no Naoiko (滋野直子)
- Imperial Princess Shigeko (繁子内親王) (?-916), 23rd SaioSaioA , also known as "Itsuki no Miko", was an unmarried female relative of the Japanese emperor, sent to Ise to serve at Ise Grand Shrine from the late 7th century until the 14th century. The Saiō's residence, Saikū , was approximately 10 km north-west of the shrine...
in Ise ShrineIse Shrineis a Shinto shrine dedicated to goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami, located in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture, Japan. Officially known simply as , Ise Jingū is in fact a shrine complex composed of a large number of Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, and ....
884-887
Koui
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...
: A daughter of Sanuki no Naganao (讃岐永直の娘)
- Minamoto no Motomi (源旧鑒) (?-908)
Koui
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...
: A daughter of Fujiwara no Kadomune (藤原門宗の娘)
- Minamoto no Koreshige (源是茂) (886-941)
Court lady: Princess Keishin (桂心女王), daughter of Prince Masami (正躬王)
- Imperial Princess Bokushi (穆子内親王) (?-903), 8th Saiin in Kamo ShrineKamo Shrineis a general term for an important Shinto sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto. It is centered on two shrines. The two shrines, an upper and a lower, lie in a corner of the old capital which was known as the due to traditional geomancy beliefs that the north-east...
882-887
Court lady: Sugawara no Ruishi (菅原類子), daughter of Sugawara no Koreyoshi (菅原是善)
- Minamoto no Junshi (源順子) (875-925), married to Fujiwara no Tadahira (藤原忠平)
Court lady: A daughter of Tajihi clan (多治氏の娘)
- Minamoto no Kanshi/Ayako (源緩子/綾子) (?-908)
Court lady: A daughter of Fuse clan (布勢氏の娘)
- Shigemizu no Kiyozane (滋水清実), given the family name 'Shigemizu' by the Emperor (Shisei Kōka, 賜姓降下) in 886
(from unknown women)
- Minamoto no Washi (源和子) (?-947), married to Emperor DaigoEmperor Daigowas the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:...
- Minamoto no Reishi (源麗子) (?-?)
- Minamoto no Onshi/Kusuko (源音子/奇子) (?-919)
- Minamoto no Takaiko (源崇子) (?-?)
- Minamoto no Renshi/Tsurako (源連子) (?-905)
- Minamoto no Reishi (源礼子) (?-909)
- Minamoto no Saishi (源最子) (?-886)
- Minamoto no Kaishi (源偕子) (?-?)
- Minamoto no Mokushi (源黙子) (?-902)
- Minamoto no Heishi (源並子) (?-906)
- Minamoto no Kenshi (源謙子) (?-924)
- Minamoto no Shinshi (源深子) (?-917)
- Minamoto no Shūshi (源周子) (?-912)
- Minamoto no Mitsuko (源密子) (?-?)
- Minamoto no Kaishi (源快子) (?-910)
- Minamoto no Zenshi (源善子) (?-?)
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-KomatsuEmperor Go-KomatsuEmperor Go-Komatsu was the 100th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is officially considered a pretender from May 24, 1382 to October 21, 1392, when Emperor Go-Kameyama abdicated...