Emperor Kōtoku facts for kids

Emperor Kōtoku (孝徳天皇 (Kōtoku-tennō)) was the 36th Emperor of Japan. He was born in 596 and passed away on November 24, 654. He ruled Japan from 645 to 654.

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Karu, or Prince Karu (軽皇子 (Karu-no-Ōji)).

Becoming Emperor

Kōtoku was a descendant of Emperor Bidatsu. His father was Prince Chinu, and his mother was Princess Kibitsuhime. Empress Kōgyoku was his older sister.

In 645, Empress Kōgyoku decided to step down from the throne. Her son, Prince Naka no Ōe, was expected to become the next emperor. However, Prince Naka no Ōe insisted that Kōtoku should take the throne instead. So, Kōtoku became emperor on July 12, 645.

At that time, the title "tennō" (Emperor) was not commonly used. People likely called him Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi. This means "the great king who rules all under heaven." Some might have also called him the "Great King of Yamato."

The ancient book Nihon Shoki says that Emperor Kōtoku was a kind person. He also supported Buddhism, a religion that came from India.

Moving the Capital

In 645, Emperor Kōtoku decided to build a new capital city. He chose an area called Naniwa, which is now part of Osaka. He moved the capital from Yamato Province to this new city.

Naniwa was a good choice because it had a sea port. This made it easy for Japan to trade with other countries. It also helped with diplomatic activities, like sending messengers to other nations. In 653, Kōtoku sent a group of people to the Tang dynasty in China. Sadly, some of their ships were lost during the journey.

Important Changes

Emperor Kōtoku is famous for starting the Taika Reform. These were big changes to how Japan was governed. They aimed to make the government stronger and more like the system in China.

During his reign, a new government system was created. It was called hasshō kyakkan, which means "eight ministries and a hundred offices." This system helped organize the government and its many different jobs.

Later Years and Death

Prince Naka no Ōe, who was the crown prince, was very powerful. He was almost like the real leader of the government. In 653, Prince Naka no Ōe wanted to move the capital back to Yamato province. Emperor Kōtoku did not agree.

However, Prince Naka no Ōe ignored the emperor's wishes and moved anyway. Many important people from the court, including Empress Hashihito, followed him. Emperor Kōtoku was left behind in the palace. He became ill and died the next year, in 654.

After Kōtoku's death, Prince Naka no Ōe did not become emperor. Instead, his mother, Empress Kōgyoku, became empress again. She took on a new name, Empress Saimei.

Imperial Tomb

The place where Emperor Kōtoku is buried is known. His grave is at a special Shinto shrine called a misasagi in Osaka. This place is officially named Ōsaka-no-shinaga no misasagi.

Memorial Shinto shrine and mausoleum honoring Emperor Kōtoku

Eras of Kōtoku's Reign

The years of Emperor Kōtoku's rule are known by these era names:

• Taika (645–650)
• Hakuchi (650–655)

Family

Emperor Kōtoku had several wives and children.

• Empress: Princess Hashihito (間人皇女, died 665). She was the daughter of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku.
• Another wife: Abe no Otarashi-hime. She was the daughter of Abe no Kurahashi-maro.
  • Their son was Prince Arima (有間皇子, 640–658).
• Another wife: Saga no Chi-no-iratsume. She was the daughter of Soga no Kura-no-Yamada no Ishikawa-no-maro.

See also

In Spanish: Kōtoku Tennō para niños

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