Emperor Kōan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kōan |
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|---|---|
| Emperor of Japan | |
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| Reign | legendary |
| Predecessor | Kōshō |
| Successor | Kōrei |
| Born | legendary |
| Died | legendary |
| Burial | Tamate no oka no e no misasagi (Nara) |
Emperor Kōan (孝安天皇, Kōan-tennō) was the 6th emperor of Japan. This is according to the traditional list of Japanese rulers. Many historians believe Emperor Kōan was a legendary person. The name Kōan-tennō was given to him after his death by people who lived much later.
It is not possible to know the exact dates for Emperor Kōan's life or when he ruled. The names and order of these early emperors were officially accepted as "traditional" much later. This happened during the time of Emperor Kammu, who was the 50th ruler of Japan.
The book Gukanshō says that Emperor Kōan ruled from a palace called Akitsushima-no-miya. This palace was in a place known today as Yamato province.
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Who Was Emperor Kōan?
Emperor Kōan is almost certainly a legendary figure. This means we don't have strong proof that he was a real person. The ancient Japanese book Kojiki only shares his name and family tree. Another important book, the Nihon Shoki, lists Kōan as one of the "eight undocumented monarchs" (Kesshi-hachidai). This means there is very little information about them.
What We Know About Kōan
Emperor Kōan was the second son of Emperor Kōshō. The book Jinnō Shōtōki tells us that his mother was Yosotarashi-no-hime. She was the daughter of Okitsuyoso.
Why We Don't Have Much Information
The lack of information about Kōan does not mean he never existed. It just means that very little is known about rulers before the 29th emperor, Emperor Kimmei. It is hard for historians to find clear facts from such ancient times.
Kōan's Legacy and Burial Site
The official name given to this emperor after his death is called a posthumous name. This name was decided many centuries after the time Kōan was said to have lived.
The actual place where Emperor Kōan is buried is not known for sure. However, the Imperial Household Agency (the official group in charge of the Japanese royal family) honors him. They say he is remembered at a special Shinto shrine in Nara. This type of memorial shrine is called a misasagi.
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Related Pages
| Preceded by Emperor Kōshō |
Legendary Emperor of Japan Kōan 392-291 BC (traditional dates) |
Succeeded by Emperor Kōrei |
