Emperor Tenmu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emperor Tenmu天武天皇 |
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Portrait from the book Shūko Jisshu, 1800
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| Emperor of Japan | |||||
| Reign | 673–686 | ||||
| Predecessor | Tenji, Kōbun (disputed) | ||||
| Successor | Jitō | ||||
| Born | Ōama (大海人) c. 630 Asuka, Japan |
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| Died | 686 (aged around 56) Asuka, Japan |
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| Burial | Noguchi Ōbo Kofun, Asuka | ||||
| Spouse | Ten consorts, including Princess Uno no Sarara (later Empress Jitō) | ||||
| Issue | Princess Tōchi, Prince Takechi, Prince Kusakabe, Princess Ōku, Prince Ōtsu, Prince Naga, Prince Yuge, Prince Toneri, Princess Tajima, Prince Niitabe, Prince Hozumi, Princess Ki, Princess Tagata, Prince Osakabe, Princess Hatsusebe, Prince Shiki, Princess Taki, Prince Kawashima (adopted), Prince Shiki (adopted) | ||||
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| House | Imperial House of Japan | ||||
| Father | Emperor Jomei | ||||
| Mother | Empress Kōgyoku | ||||
Emperor Tenmu (born Prince Ōama, around 630 – 686) was an important emperor of Japan during the Asuka period. He was the 40th ruler in Japan's traditional line of emperors. Tenmu reigned from 673 to 686. His story is mostly known from ancient Japanese books like the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki.
Prince Ōama's early life isn't well-known. His older brother, Tenji, was the emperor before him. Tenji seemed to favor Ōama as his successor at first. However, Tenji later chose his own son, Prince Ōtomo, instead. In 671, Tenji offered the throne to Ōama when he was sick. Ōama, worried about political plots, refused and became a Buddhist monk at Yoshino Palace.
After Tenji died, Ōama heard that Ōtomo, who was now ruling, might try to harm him. Ōama quickly left Yoshino with his followers. This started a big conflict called the Jinshin War. Ōama gathered an army and fought against his nephew, Ōtomo. Ōtomo was defeated and died. After this victory, Ōama became the new emperor, taking the name Tenmu.
Emperor Tenmu brought many changes to Japan. He based his government on the strong, centralized system of Tang China. He was likely the first Japanese ruler to use the title tennō (emperor). He also reorganized noble titles and planned a new capital city, which later became Fujiwara-kyō. Tenmu supported both Buddhism and the goddess Amaterasu. He made the Ise Shrine for Amaterasu the most important shrine in Japan.
Tenmu's health began to fail in 685. He passed away in 686. After his death, there was a long period of mourning. His wife, Uno-no-sarara, later became Empress Jitō.
Contents
Emperor Tenmu's Early Life and Family
Prince Ōama's Birth and Family Connections
Prince Ōama was the son of Emperor Jomei and Princess Takara. He was also the younger brother of Naka no Ōe. Historians believe he was born around 630.
After Emperor Jomei died, there were some disagreements about who should rule next. Eventually, Ōama's mother, Princess Takara, became Empress Kōgyoku. During her reign, a powerful minister named Soga no Iruka gained a lot of control. In 645, Iruka was removed from power by a group of important people, including Prince Naka no Ōe. Empress Kōgyoku then stepped down.
Later, Empress Kōgyoku ruled again under the name Saimei. Japan was involved in events in Korea at this time. In 660, a Japanese ally, the kingdom of Baekje, was defeated. Empress Saimei, Prince Naka, and Ōama traveled to Kyushu to prepare for a possible war. Empress Saimei died there. Prince Naka then became a temporary ruler. He worked to strengthen Japan's defenses.
Prince Ōama had several wives. His most important wife was Uno-no-sarara, who was also the daughter of his brother Naka. She later became Empress Jitō.
How Emperor Tenmu Rose to Power
The Path to Becoming Emperor
Prince Naka, Ōama's brother, eventually became Emperor Tenji. He moved the capital to Ōtsu Palace in 667. Emperor Tenji initially seemed to consider Ōama as his successor. However, he later decided to support his own son, Prince Ōtomo, for the throne.
In 671, Emperor Tenji became very ill. He offered the throne to Ōama. Ōama, perhaps sensing danger or not wanting the responsibility, refused. He suggested that Tenji's wife, Yamatohime, become empress with Ōtomo as her helper. Ōama then decided to become a Buddhist monk and went to Yoshino Palace with a small group of followers.
The Jinshin War: A Fight for the Throne
Emperor Tenji died in late 671. Prince Ōtomo was recognized as the new ruler by the court. However, Ōama soon heard that Ōtomo was planning to attack him. In 672, Ōama fled Yoshino and began a major conflict known as the Jinshin War. He was joined by his wife, Uno-no-sarara, and their son, Kusakabe.
Ōama quickly gathered support from different regions. The governor of Ise Province helped him block mountain passes, which stopped Ōtomo's forces. Ōama also gained allies in eastern Japan. Many local leaders and clans joined his side.
Ōama's army marched towards Ōtomo's capital. After a series of battles, Ōama's forces defeated Ōtomo's army at Seta. Prince Ōtomo died shortly after. With this victory, Ōama took the throne in Asuka in 673. He was given the name Emperor Tenmu, which means 'divine warrior'.
Emperor Tenmu's Reign and Reforms
New Ideas for Governing Japan
Emperor Tenmu was a very influential ruler. He was likely the first Japanese leader to use the title tennō, meaning "heavenly sovereign" or "emperor." This title showed his special connection to the heavens. He also began to be described as a kami (divine being) during his lifetime.
Tenmu wanted to create a stronger, more organized government. He looked to Tang China as a model for a centralized state. He gave important government positions to his family and loyal supporters. He also created new ranks for noble titles, called kabane, to reward those who served the imperial family.
Building a New Capital
Emperor Tenmu moved the imperial court back to Asuka. He ordered the construction of a new palace called Kiyomihara. This palace was built quickly and was quite grand.
Around 682 or 683, Tenmu chose a location for an even newer, larger capital city. This city was likely Fujiwara-kyō, which became Japan's first planned city designed in a Chinese style. He also wanted Naniwa-kyō to be a second capital, similar to how China had multiple important cities.
Religious Changes and Support
Emperor Tenmu was deeply interested in religion. He reformed the way kami worship was practiced. He made Amaterasu, the ancestral goddess of the imperial family, the most important goddess. The Ise Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu, became the most important shrine in Japan. Tenmu also brought back the tradition of an imperial princess serving at the Ise Shrine to worship Amaterasu on his behalf.
Tenmu was also a strong supporter of Buddhism. He officially recognized three temples near Kiyomihara: Gufuku-ji, Gangō-ji, and Daikandai-ji. He also oversaw the completion of the Takechi no Ōdera temple and started the construction of the grand Yakushi-ji temple. He even sponsored a project to copy the entire Buddhist canon.
Emperor Tenmu's Death and Legacy
Final Years and Succession Challenges
Emperor Tenmu's health began to decline in 685. Many Buddhist rituals and prayers were performed to help him. In 686, he passed away. A temporary burial palace was built in the capital. His death began a very long period of mourning.
Before his death, Tenmu had six of his sons promise not to fight over who would become emperor. He seemed to favor his son, Kusakabe, to succeed him. However, he also gave high status to another son, Prince Ōtsu.
After Tenmu's death, Prince Ōtsu died under unfortunate circumstances. Prince Kusakabe's succession was delayed by the long mourning period. Sadly, Kusakabe also died in 689 due to illness. This left the succession uncertain.
Empress Jitō and Future Emperors
Following these events, Tenmu's wife, Uno-no-sarara, became Empress Jitō in 690. She continued Tenmu's vision for Japan. Empress Jitō reigned until 697, when she stepped down. She became the first Daijō-tennō (retired empress) and passed the throne to Kusakabe's young son, Prince Karu, who became Emperor Monmu.
Emperor Tenmu's descendants continued to rule Japan for many years during the late Asuka and Nara period. His tomb is believed to be the Noguchi Ōbo Kofun in Kashihara. Empress Jitō was also later buried there.
Historical Records and Poetry
Learning About Tenmu from Ancient Texts
Most of what we know about Emperor Tenmu comes from two important ancient Japanese books: the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki. The Nihon Shoki, completed in 720, describes the Jinshin War and Tenmu's reign. It shows Tenmu as a rightful ruler.
The Kojiki, finished in 712, also tells the story of the Jinshin War. It strongly supports Tenmu, describing him as a leader chosen by heaven to bring order to the land. The Kojiki says that Tenmu was very interested in history and ordered these ancient stories to be collected and written down.
Tenmu's Poetry
Emperor Tenmu is credited with writing three poems found in the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest collection of poetry. One famous poem is a reply to his former wife, Princess Nukata. In it, he expresses his feelings for her. His other poems praise the beauty of Yoshino. These poems help us understand a more personal side of this powerful emperor.
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