Emperor Bidatsu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bidatsu |
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|---|---|
| Emperor of Japan | |
| Reign | 572 –585 (traditional) |
| Predecessor | Kimmei |
| Successor | Yōmei |
| Born | 538 (traditional) |
| Died | 585 (traditional) |
| Burial | Kawachi no Shinaga no naka no o no misasagi (Osaka) |
Emperor Bidatsu (敏達天皇, 538-585) was the 30th emperor of Japan. He ruled from 572 to 585. He is known through the traditional order of succession.
It's important to know that the exact dates for emperors from this early time are not always certain. The names and order of these early emperors were officially confirmed much later, during the reign of Emperor Kammu.
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Emperor Bidatsu's Early Life
Historians believe that many details about Emperor Bidatsu's life are likely true, even if some parts might be like a legend. The name Bidatsu-tennō was given to him after his death by people who lived later.
Bidatsu was the second son of Emperor Kimmei. His mother was Ishi-hime, who was a daughter of Emperor Senka. His palace was in a place called Osada no Miya of Iware, in Yamato Province.
Emperor Bidatsu had many children, but none of them became emperor after him. Records say he had four empresses and 16 children in total. This included 6 sons and 10 daughters.
Key Events During Bidatsu's Rule
In 563, which was the 15th year of his father Kimmei's rule, Bidatsu was chosen to be the Crown Prince. This meant he would be the next emperor.
In 572, Emperor Kimmei died. Bidatsu then became the new emperor. This was made official with special ceremonies.
Bidatsu's time as emperor was marked by disagreements about Buddhism. Two very important men in his court had different ideas. Soga no Umako wanted Buddhism to grow in Japan. But Mononobe no Moriya wanted to stop it. These two leaders had a lot of power and often argued.
Sadly, Emperor Bidatsu became sick with an unknown disease. It caused sores on his body. Many historians think he might have been the first royal person in Japan to get smallpox.
In 585, after ruling for 14 years, Emperor Bidatsu died. The next emperor was his younger half-brother, who became known as Emperor Yōmei.
Where Emperor Bidatsu Rests
After his death, Emperor Bidatsu was buried in a special tumulus (kofun). A tumulus is a large mound of earth built over a grave. This burial mound is called Kawachi no Shinaga no naka no o no misasagi and is located in Osaka.
Today, Emperor Bidatsu is honored at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi). This shrine is connected to his burial mound.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The chrysanthemum symbol of the Japanese emperor and his family.
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Emperor Kimmei |
Emperor of Japan: Bidatsu 572–585 |
Succeeded by Emperor Yōmei |
