Emperor Sushun facts for kids

Emperor Sushun (崇峻天皇, Sushun-tennō, d. 592) was the 32nd emperor of Japan. He ruled from 587 to 592. Historians believe that some details about his life might be based on legend, but they are likely true. The name Sushun-tennō was given to him after his death by people who lived much later.

Who Was Emperor Sushun?

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Hatsusebe-shinnō. He was also known as Hatsusebe no Waka-sazaki. His birth name was Hatsusebe no Miko (長谷部皇子).

Sushun was the twelfth son of Emperor Kimmei. His mother was Oane-no-kimi (小姉君). She was the daughter of Soga no Iname, who was the leader of the powerful Soga clan.

Emperor Sushun had one Empress and two children.

Important Events During Sushun's Rule

• 587: Emperor Yōmei died. His younger half-brother, Hatsusebe-shinnō, became the new emperor. He is now known as Emperor Sushun. This change was made official in special ceremonies.

• 592: Emperor Sushun's rule lasted for five years. He died at the age of 72.

Sushun's most important advisor was his powerful uncle, Soga no Umako. Umako was the head of the Soga clan. Emperor Sushun planned to remove Umako from his important position. When Umako found out about this plan, he ordered someone to kill Sushun. This was the second time in early Japanese history that an emperor was killed.

After His Death

The official name given to Emperor Sushun after his death was decided many centuries later.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Sushun's final resting place is in an earthen mound called a kofun. People honor Sushun at a special memorial Shinto shrine called a misasagi. This shrine is connected to his burial mound.

Related pages

• Emperor of Japan
• List of Emperors of Japan
• Japanese Imperial family tree

Images for kids

• 

  The chrysanthemum symbol of the Japanese emperor and his family.