Emperor Takakura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emperor Takakura高倉天皇 |
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Emperor Takakura, Tenshi Sekkan Miei
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| Emperor of Japan | |||||
| Reign | April 9, 1168 – March 18, 1180 | ||||
| Coronation | April 29, 1168 | ||||
| Predecessor | Rokujū | ||||
| Successor | Antoku | ||||
| Born | September 20, 1161 | ||||
| Died | January 30, 1181 (aged 19) | ||||
| Burial | Nochi no Seikan-ji no Misasagi (後清閑寺陵) (Kyoto) | ||||
| Spouse |
Taira no Tokuko
(m. 1172) |
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| House | Yamato | ||||
| Father | Emperor Go-Shirakawa | ||||
| Mother | Taira no Shigeko | ||||
Emperor Takakura (高倉天皇, Takakura-tennō) was the 80th emperor of Japan. He was born on September 20, 1161, and passed away on January 30, 1181. His time as emperor lasted from 1168 to 1180.
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Family and Background
Before he became emperor, his personal name was Norihito-shinnō. He was the fourth son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. This made him the uncle of the previous emperor, Emperor Rokujō.
His mother was Empress Dowager Taira no Shigeko. She was the younger sister of Taira no Tokiko. Tokiko was a close companion of Taira no Kiyomori, a very powerful leader at the time.
Takakura's main empress was Taira no Tokuko. She was the daughter of Taira no Kiyomori. This meant she was also his first cousin, as their mothers were sisters.
- Empress: Taira no Tokuko (平徳子) – later known as Kenreimon-in.
- Their first son was Imperial Prince Tokihito (言仁親王). He later became Emperor Antoku.
- Lady-in-waiting: Bōmon Shokushi (坊門殖子; 1157–1228).
- Their second son was Imperial Prince Morisada (守貞親王; 1179–1223).
- Their fourth son was Imperial Prince Takahira (尊成親王). He later became Emperor Go-Toba.
Key Events During Takakura's Reign
Even though Takakura was officially the emperor, his father, former-Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and his father-in-law, Taira no Kiyomori, held most of the real power. This was a time when retired emperors often continued to rule from behind the scenes, a system called "cloistered rule."
- 1168: Emperor Rokujō was removed from the throne by his grandfather. Takakura, his cousin, then became the new emperor.
- 1168: Emperor Takakura officially took the throne.
Takakura had his own thoughts about what it meant to be an emperor. He once wrote:
- "The Emperor is a ship. His subjects are water. The water enables a ship to float well, but sometimes the vessel is capsized by it. His subjects can sustain an Emperor well, but sometimes they overthrow him."
This quote shows he understood that his power depended on the support of his people.
- 1172: Taira Kiyomori's daughter, Tokuko, became Takakura's empress. This marriage further strengthened Kiyomori's power.
- May 27, 1177: A huge fire swept through the capital city, Kyoto. Strong winds helped the fire spread, burning down the palace.
- 1178: Empress Taira no Tokuko gave birth to a son. This made Kiyomori very happy. The baby was quickly named the heir to the throne.
- 1180: Emperor Takakura stepped down from the throne.
- 1180: His one-year-old son, Prince Tokihito, was crowned as the new emperor, Emperor Antoku.
- 1180: The former emperors Go-Shirakawa and Takakura, along with the new Emperor Antoku, moved the capital from Kyoto to Fukuhara-kyō.
- 1180: Later that year, the capital was moved back to Kyoto.
- 1180: A powerful whirlwind caused a lot of damage in the capital city.
- 1181: Emperor Takakura passed away.
Court Officials (Kugyō)
The Kugyō (公卿) was a group of the most powerful men in the emperor's court. They were usually from noble families and had a lot of experience in government. During Takakura's reign, these top officials helped manage the country.
Eras During Takakura's Reign
In Japan, years are also grouped into "eras" or nengō. Each era has a special name. Here are the eras during Emperor Takakura's time:
See also
In Spanish: Takakura Tennō para niños
