Emperor Kōkō Facts for Kids

Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇, Kōkō-tennō, 830 – September 17, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He ruled Japan from 884 to 887.

Becoming Emperor Kōkō
- How Kōkō Took the Throne
Key Events During Kōkō's Rule
- Kōkō's Burial Place
- Important Officials
Eras of Kōkō's Reign
Family Life
Kōkō's Poetry
See also

Becoming Emperor Kōkō

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Tokiyasu. He was also known as Komatsu-tei. This means "Emperor of Komatsu." Later, another emperor, Emperor Go-Komatsu, used a similar name. The word go- means "later," so he was like "Emperor Komatsu II."

Tokiyasu was the third son of Emperor Ninmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Emperor Kōkō had four main wives and many children.

How Kōkō Took the Throne

A very powerful person named Fujiwara no Mototsune helped Kōkō become emperor. Mototsune was the first kampaku, which was like a chief advisor to the emperor. At this time, the previous emperor, Emperor Yōzei, had been removed from power.

Prince Tokiyasu was already an important official. He was the Governor of Hitachi and Chief Minister of Ceremonies.

A story from the 14th century says that Mototsune simply visited Prince Tokiyasu. He treated the prince as if he were already the emperor. Mototsune even assigned royal guards to him. The prince showed he accepted by getting into the imperial palanquin, a special carriage. This carriage took him to the emperor's palace. It was a big surprise, as he was still wearing his prince's clothes!

Key Events During Kōkō's Rule

February 4, 884: Emperor Yōzei was removed from his position. Prince Tokiyasu, who was 55 years old, was chosen to be the next emperor.
March 23, 884: Emperor Kōkō officially took the throne. This is called his sokui.
885: The name of the era changed to Ninna. This was a common practice when a new emperor began his rule.

During his time as emperor, Kōkō brought back many old court traditions. One example was the imperial hawking trip to Serikawa. This special hunting event had been started by Emperor Kanmu in 796. Kōkō brought it back after 50 years.

January 11, 886: Kōkō went to Seri-gawa to hunt with falcons. He really enjoyed this type of hunting. He often made time for it.
September 17, 887: Emperor Kōkō died at the age of 57.

Kōkō's Burial Place

The exact place where Emperor Kōkō is buried is known. This emperor is honored at a special Shinto shrine in Kyoto. It is called a misasagi.

The Imperial Household Agency manages this site. They call it Kōkō's mausoleum. Its formal name is Kaguragaoka no Higashi no misasagi.

Important Officials

Kugyō was a term for the most powerful men in the emperor's court. This was before the Meiji period. Usually, only three or four men were part of this special group. They were high-ranking officials who had spent their lives working for the court.

During Emperor Kōkō's reign, these top officials included:

Kampaku, Fujiwara no Mototsune (836–891)
Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara no Mototsune (this was another high position he held)
Sadaijin, Minamoto no Tōru
Udaijin, Minamoto no Masaru
Dainagon, Fujiwara no Yoshiyo
Dainagon, Fujiwara no Fuyuo

Eras of Kōkō's Reign

The years of Emperor Kōkō's rule are known by different era names, or nengō.

Gangyō (877–885)
Ninna (885–889)

Family Life

Emperor Kōkō had several consorts (wives) and many children. His main consort was Princess Hanshi. She later became Kōtaigō, a very high title for an empress.

Some of his notable children included:

Imperial Prince Sadami, who later became Emperor Uda.
Imperial Princess Tadako, who married Emperor Seiwa.
Imperial Princess Yasuko, who married Emperor Yōzei.
Imperial Princess Ishi, who married Emperor Daigo.

He also had many other sons and daughters. Some of them were given new family names by the emperor.

Kōkō's Poetry

Emperor Kōkō is remembered for his beautiful poetry. One of his poems, a waka, was included in a famous collection called the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. This collection features 100 poems by 100 different poets.

Here is his poem:

君がため春の野に出でて若菜つむ
わが衣手に雪はふりつつ
kimi ga tame haru no no ni idete wakana tsumu
waga koromode ni yuki wa furitsutsu
(Kokin Wakashū 1:21)

Emperor Kōkō facts for kids

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