Emperor Sanjo
Encyclopedia
was the 67th emperor
of Japan
, according to the traditional order of succession.
Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.
, his personal name (imina) was Iyasada-shinnō. He was also known as Sukesada-shinnō, and as Okisada-shinnō (居貞親王).
Iyasada was the second son of Emperor Reizei
. He was the half-brother of Emperor Kazan
, who was Reizei's first-born son. Ieyasada's mother was Fujiwara no Chōshi (藤原超子) (?-982), who was the daughter of the sesshō, Fujiwara no Kaneie
. Chōshi was posthumously elevated to the rank of empress mother (Zō-Kōtaigō, 贈皇太后).
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 Sanjō Genji (三条源氏) are descended from the 67th emperor Sanjō.
raised him at Kaneie's mansion.
Kaneie died in the early of Ichijō's reign. His three uncles, sons of Kaneie, made their daughters consorts of Ichijo and aimed to seize power as the grandfather of the future emperor. These courtiers therefore sought to exclude Okisada from the Imperial succession, though each of them married their daughter to him. Later Ichijō had children by Fujiwara no Kishi, the daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
, and Michinaga expected his grandson to ascend to the throne as soon as possible. Michinaga became the kampaku (regent) of Japan during the reign of Ichijō and expected to hold this position in Sanjō's government as well.
The actual site of 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 Sanjō's mausoleum
. It is formally named Kitayama no misasagi.
Michinaga gifted Atsuakira a status equal to the retired emperor, with the title of Ko-ichijo-in. Although no son of Sanjō ascended to the throne, a future emperor (Emperor Go-Sanjō
) was child of Princess Teishi, Sanjō's daughter, and thus his blood remained in the imperial bloodline.
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 Sanjō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
(Kōgō): Fujiwara no Seishi
(藤原娍子) (972-1025), 1st daughter of Fujiwara no Naritoki (藤原済時)
Empress
(Chūgū): Fujiwara no Kenshi
(藤原妍子) (994-1027), 2nd daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
Nyōgo
(crown princess): Fujiwara no Yasuko (藤原綏子) (974-1004), 3rd daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie
; adultery with Minamoto no Yorisada(son of Imperial Prince Tamehira)
Nyōgo
(crown princess): Fujiwara no Genshi (藤原原子) (ca.980-1002), 2nd daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka
Nyōgo
: Fujiwara no Seishi (藤原盛子), daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
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.
Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.
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 Iyasada-shinnō. He was also known as Sukesada-shinnō, and as Okisada-shinnō (居貞親王).
Iyasada was the second 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:...
. He was the half-brother of 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:...
, who was Reizei's first-born son. Ieyasada's mother was Fujiwara no Chōshi (藤原超子) (?-982), who was the daughter of the sesshō, 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....
. Chōshi was posthumously elevated to the rank of empress mother (Zō-Kōtaigō, 贈皇太后).
In ancient Japan, there were four noble clans, the Gempeitōkitsu (源平藤橘). One of these clans, the Minamoto clan
Minamoto clan
was one of the surnames bestowed by the Emperors of Japan upon members of the imperial family who were demoted into the ranks of the nobility. The practice was most prevalent during the Heian Period , although its last occurrence was during the Sengoku Era. The Taira were another such offshoot of...
(源氏)are also known as Genji, and of these, the Sanjō Genji (三条源氏) are descended from the 67th emperor Sanjō.
Events of Sanjō's life
After his mother died when he was at seven, his maternal grandfather Fujiwara no KaneieFujiwara 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....
raised him at Kaneie's mansion.
- August 23, 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, 16th day of the 7th month): Iyasada-shinnō was appointed as heir and crown princeCrown PrinceA 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....
at age 11. This followed the convention that two imperial lineages took the throne in turn, although Emperor Ichijō was in fact Iyasada's junior. He thus gained the nicknameNicknameA nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
Sakasa-no moke-no kimi (the imperial heir in reverse). When Emperor Kanzan abandoned the world for holy orders, this grandson of Kaneie ascended to the throne as Emperor IchijōEmperor Ichijowas the 66th emperor of Japan, 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 Throne, his personal name was Kanehito-shinnō....
.
- July 16, 1011 (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...
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) at age 36.
- August 29, 1011 (Kankō 8, 22nd day of the 6th month): Daijō-tennō Emperor IchijōEmperor Ichijowas the 66th emperor of Japan, 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 Throne, his personal name was Kanehito-shinnō....
died at the age of 32. - August 30, 1011 (Kankō 8, 23rd day of the 8th month): Fujiwara Michinaga is granted the extraordinary privilege of travelling to and from the court by ox-drawn cart.
- November 28, 1011 (Kankō 8, 24th day of the 10th month): Daijō-tennō ReizeiEmperor Reizeiwas 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 Emperor Sanjō's father, died at age 62. - 1011 (Kankō 8): Prince Atsunari, the second son of former-Emperor Ichijo, is proclaimed Crown Prince. Sanjō's eldest son, Prince Atsuakira, had been the officially designated heir; but pressure from Michinaga forced the young prince abandon his position.
Kaneie died in the early of Ichijō's reign. His three uncles, sons of Kaneie, made their daughters consorts of Ichijo and aimed to seize power as the grandfather of the future emperor. These courtiers therefore sought to exclude Okisada from the Imperial succession, though each of them married their daughter to him. Later Ichijō had children by Fujiwara no Kishi, the 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...
, and Michinaga expected his grandson to ascend to the throne as soon as possible. Michinaga became the kampaku (regent) of Japan during the reign of Ichijō and expected to hold this position in Sanjō's government as well.
- 1012 (ChōwaChowawas a after Kankō and before Kannin. This period spanned the years from December 1012 through April 1017. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* 1012 : The era name was changed to mark Emperor Sanjō's accession in the previous year...
1): The era name is changed to mark Emperor Sanjō's accession; and in the 8th month, he married a daughter of kampaku Michinaga. - 1013 (Chōwa 2, 3rd month): Sanjō sends an offering of grain to the gods of the 21 principal temples of Japan.
- 1013 (Chōwa 2, 9th month): Sanjō visits the home of Michinaga.
- 1013 (Chōwa 2, 11th month): Sanjō visits the Shrine of Iwashimizu HachimanIwashimizu ShrineThe 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 successive emperors would emulate his example visiting this shrine annually. - 1013 (Chōwa 2, 12th month): Sanjō visits the Shrines of 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 successive emperors would emulate his example visiting this shrine annually. - 1013 (Chōwa 2, 12th month): Fujiwara no Masanobu, an officer of the chūgo 's guard was killed by Fujiwara no Korekane; and Michinaga ordered the assassin imprisoned.
- March 12, 1014 (Chōwa 3, 9th day of the 2nd month): The Imperial Palace is destroyed by fire.
- 1014 (Chōwa 3, 5th month): Sanjō visited the home of Michinaga where he enjoyed himself with horse riding and archery.
- 1015 (Chōwa 4, 9th month): The reconstruction of the palace is completed.
- 1015 (Chōwa 4, 10th month): Michinaga's 50th birthday is celebrated.
- 1015 (Chōwa 4, 11th month): The palace is again reduced to cinders after a devastaging fire.
- 1016 (Chōwa 5, 1st month): Sanjō grew increasingly blind; and he abdicated at the age of 40, having reigned for 6 years in the nengō Chōwa. He took the title Daijō-tennō.
- March 10, 1016 (Chōwa 5, 29th day of the 1st month): In the 6th year of Emperor Sanjō's reign (三条天皇6年), the emperor abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Go-Ichijō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’) at age 9.
- May 21, 1017 (Chōwa 6, 23rd day of the 4th month): The era name was changed to Kannin to mark the beginning of Emperor Go-Ichijō's reign.
- May 27, 1017 (KanninKanninwas a after Chōwa and before Jian. This period spanned the years from April 1017 through February 1021. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 1017 : The era name was changed to mark an event or series of events...
1, 29th day of the 4th month): Sanjō entered the Buddhist priesthood. - June 5, 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th day of the 5th month): The former-Emperor Sanjō died at age 42. He was given the posthumous name of Sanjō-in (三条院) after the palace where he spent his life after abdicating. After the Meiji Era, the in was dropped and replaced with tennō (Emperor).
The actual site of 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 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 Kitayama no misasagi.
Michinaga gifted Atsuakira a status equal to the retired emperor, with the title of Ko-ichijo-in. Although no son of Sanjō ascended to the throne, a future emperor (Emperor Go-Sanjō
Emperor Go-Sanjo
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- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"...
) was child of Princess Teishi, Sanjō's daughter, and thus his blood remained in the imperial bloodline.
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 Sanjō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
- Kampaku, Fujiwara no MichinagaFujiwara no Michinagarepresents 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), 966-1027. - 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. - 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 Akimitsu (藤原顕光) - Naidaijin, Fujiwara no Kinsue (藤原公季)
- 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 Sanjō's reign
The years of Sanjō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.- 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) - ChōwaChowawas a after Kankō and before Kannin. This period spanned the years from December 1012 through April 1017. The reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* 1012 : The era name was changed to mark Emperor Sanjō's accession in the previous year...
(1012–1017)
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 Seishi
Fujiwara no Seishi
Fujiwara no Seishi was an Empress consort of Japan. She was the consort of Emperor Sanjō of Japan.- Sources :...
(藤原娍子) (972-1025), 1st daughter of Fujiwara no Naritoki (藤原済時)
- Imperial Prince Atsuakira (敦明親王) (994-1051), 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"...
's Crown PrinceCrown PrinceA 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....
; later, Ko-ichijō In (小一条院) - Imperial Prince Atsunori (敦儀親王) (997-1054)
- Imperial Prince Atsuhira (敦平親王) (999-1049)
- Imperial Princess Tōshi (real pronunciation is unknown) (当子内親王) (1001–1023), 37th SaiōSaioA , 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 Grand Shrine of Ise) 1012-1016 - Imperial Princess Shishi (real pronunciation is unknown) (禔子内親王) (1003–1048), spouse of Fujiwara no NorimichiFujiwara no Norimichi, fifth son of Michinaga, was a kugyo of the Heian period. His mother was Minamoto no Rinshi , daughter of Minamoto no Masanobu. Regent Yorimichi, Empress Shōshi , Empress Kenshi were his brother and sisters from the same mother...
(藤原教通) - Imperial Prince Moroakira (師明親王) (1005–1085), lay priest under the name Seishin (性信) (2nd head priest of Ninna-ji Temple, 仁和寺)
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 Kenshi
Fujiwara no Kenshi
Fujiwara no Kenshi , was an Empress consort of Japan. She was the consort of Emperor Sanjō of Japan.- Sources :...
(藤原妍子) (994-1027), 2nd 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...
- Imperial Princess Teishi (real pronunciation is unknown) (禎子内親王) (Empress Dowager Yōmei-mon In, 陽明門院) (1013–1094), Empress (kōgō) to 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...
, mother of Emperor Go-SanjōEmperor Go-Sanjowas 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- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"...
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...
(crown princess): Fujiwara no Yasuko (藤原綏子) (974-1004), 3rd 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....
; adultery with Minamoto no Yorisada(son of Imperial Prince Tamehira)
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...
(crown princess): Fujiwara no Genshi (藤原原子) (ca.980-1002), 2nd 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...
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 Seishi (藤原盛子), 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...
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-SanjōEmperor Go-Sanjowas 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- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"...