Emperor Go-Ichijō facts for kids

Emperor Go-Ichijō (後一条天皇, Go-Ichijō-tennō) was the 68th emperor of Japan. He ruled from 1016 to 1036. His name, "Go-Ichijō," means "Later Emperor Ichijō." This is because he was named after his father, Emperor Ichijō.

Becoming Emperor of Japan

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Atsuhira -shinnō. He was also known as Atsunari-shinnō. Atsuhira was the second son of Emperor Ichijō. His mother was Fujiwara no Akiko, also known as Empress Shōshi. She was the daughter of a very powerful leader named Fujiwara no Michinaga.

Early Life and Marriage

Prince Atsuhira was part of important court politics even as a child.

• 1012: Prince Atsuhira married a daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Michinaga was a sesshō, which means a regent who ruled for the emperor. Later, he became a kampaku, another high-ranking official.

Atsuhira became emperor when he was only 8 years old. This happened after his cousin, Emperor Sanjō, stepped down from the throne.

• March 10, 1016: Emperor Sanjō gave up his role. Prince Atsuhira then became the new emperor. This event is called the senso. Soon after, he officially took the throne in a ceremony called sokui.

During the first years of Go-Ichijō's rule, Fujiwara no Michinaga was the real power. He ruled from his position as sesshō, or regent.

Key Events During His Reign

• June 5, 1017: The former Emperor Sanjō passed away at age 41.
• 1017: Prince Atsuakira, Emperor Sanjo's oldest son, was supposed to be the next Crown Prince. But he got a skin disease. Also, Michinaga put a lot of pressure on him. So, Atsuakira stepped down. His younger brother, Prince Atsunaga, became the new Crown Prince instead.
• 1017: Michinaga visited the Iwashimizu Shrine. Many court members went with him. They traveled down the Yotogawa River in 15 boats. One boat flipped over, and more than 30 people died.
• 1017: Michinaga was given an even higher position called Daijō-Diajin.
• May 15, 1036: Emperor Go-Ichijō died when he was 27 years old.

His grave is known and is located in Kyoto. It is a special memorial Shinto shrine called Bodaijuin no misasagi.

Eras of Go-Ichijō's Reign

In Japan, years are grouped into special periods called nengō. Here are the eras during Emperor Go-Ichijō's time:

• Chōwa (1012–1017)
• Kannin (1017–1021)
• Jian (1021–1024)
• Manju (1024–1028)
• Chōgen (1028–1037)

Family Life

Tomb of Emperor Go-Ichijō and one of his daughters, Kyoto

Emperor Go-Ichijō had one Empress and two daughters.

His Empress was Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原威子; 999–1036). She was the third daughter of the powerful Fujiwara no Michinaga.

His daughters were:

• First Daughter: Imperial Princess Akiko, also known as Shōshi. She later became the Empress to Emperor Go-Reizei.
• Second Daughter: Imperial Princess Kaoruko. She later became the Empress to Emperor Go-Sanjō.

See also

In Spanish: Go-Ichijō Tennō para niños

• Emperor of Japan
• List of Emperors of Japan
• Imperial cult