Emperor Go-Reizei facts for kids

Emperor Go-Reizei (後冷泉天皇, Go-Reizei-tennō, August 28, 1025 – May 22, 1068) was the 70th emperor of Japan. He ruled from 1045 to 1068.

His name, Go-Reizei, means "Later Emperor Reizei." This is because he was named after an earlier emperor, Emperor Reizei. The word "Go-" can mean "later" or "second."

Biography

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Chikahito-shinnō. He was the oldest son of Emperor Go-Suzaku. His mother was Fujiwara no Kishi. Emperor Go-Reizei had three Empresses but no children of his own.

Key Events During His Rule

A traditional Japanese crest, similar to those found near the burial site of Emperor Go-Reizei.

Emperor Go-Reizei became emperor on February 5, 1045. This happened on the same day his father, Emperor Go-Suzaku, stepped down from the throne. His father passed away just two days later.

A big event during Go-Reizei's rule was the Zenkunen War. This war lasted from 1051 to 1062. It started when Abe no Sadatō and Munetō led a rebellion in the northern part of Japan.

To stop the fighting, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi was made governor of Mutsu province. He was also given the special title of chinjufu shōgun. This title meant he was the commander in charge of bringing peace to the north.

Emperor Go-Reizei passed away on May 22, 1068, when he was 44 years old. Since he had no children, his father's second son, Takahito-shinnō, became the next emperor. He is known as Emperor Go-Sanjō.

Where He is Buried

Emperor Go-Reizei's grave is in Kyoto, Japan. It is a special place called Enkyo-ji no misasagi. He is buried with six other emperors at Ryōan-ji Temple. These burial sites were restored in the 1800s.

Eras of His Reign

During Emperor Go-Reizei's time, different era names were used. These names helped mark periods within his reign:

• Kantoku (1044–1046)
• Eishō (1046–1053)
• Tengi (1053–1058)
• Kōhei (1058–1065)
• Jiryaku (1065–1069)

Empresses

Emperor Go-Reizei had several empresses:

• Imperial Princess Shōshi (章子内親王, 1027–1105) was his first Empress. She was the daughter of Emperor Go-Ichijo.
• Fujiwara no Hiroko (藤原寛子; 1036–1127) was another Empress. She was the daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi.
• Fujiwara no Kanshi (藤原歓子; 1021–1102) was also an Empress. She was the daughter of Fujiwara no Norimichi.

He also had a consort from the Sugawara family, who had a son named Takashina Tameyuki.

See also

• Emperor of Japan
• List of Emperors of Japan