Kujō Yoritsugu facts for kids

Kujō Yoritsugu (九条 頼嗣, December 17, 1239 – October 14, 1256; r. 1244–1252), also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsugu (藤原 頼嗣), was an important leader in ancient Japan. He served as the fifth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate, a powerful military government. He was only a child when he became shōgun, following in the footsteps of his father, Kujō Yoritsune, who was the fourth shōgun. The Kujō family was a branch of the famous Fujiwara clan, a group of noble families who had a lot of influence in Japan's history.

Becoming Shōgun: Kujō Yoritsugu's Early Life

Kujō Yoritsugu was born on December 17, 1239, in Kamakura, Japan. His father was Kujō Yoritsune, who was the fourth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate. His mother was named Ōmiya no Kata.

The Kujō family was a very important and noble family in Japan. They were part of the larger Fujiwara clan, which had a long history of powerful courtiers and leaders.

Family Connections

• Father: Kujō Yoritsune
• Mother: Omiya no Kata
• Wife: Hiwadahime (1230–1247)

Key Events During Yoritsugu's Time as Shōgun

Yoritsugu became shōgun when he was very young. His time as shōgun lasted from 1244 to 1252. Even though he was the official leader, other powerful figures, like the Hōjō clan regents, held much of the real power.

Yoritsugu Takes Power

• 1244: In the spring of this year, strange events in the sky worried Yoritsugu's father, Yoritsune.
• 1244: In the fourth month, Yoritsugu had his coming-of-age ceremonies. He was only six years old.
• 1244: In the same month, his father, Yoritsune, asked Emperor Go-Saga for permission. He wanted to step down as shōgun and let Yoritsugu take his place.
• 1245: In the seventh month, Yoritsune, Yoritsugu's father, became a Buddhist priest. This meant he gave up his worldly duties.

Marriage and Later Years

• 1246: In the seventh month, Yoritsugu got married. He married the sister of Hōjō Tsunetoki, a powerful regent. Yoritsugu was seven years old, and his wife was sixteen.
• 1252: Yoritsugu's time as shōgun ended. He was replaced by Prince Munetaka.
• September 1, 1256: Yoritsugu's father, Yoritsune, passed away at the age of 38.
• October 14, 1256: Kujō Yoritsugu himself died shortly after his father. He was only 16 years old when he passed away in Kyoto, Japan.

Japanese Era Names During Yoritsugu's Rule

In Japan, years are often grouped into periods called nengō or era names. These names change when a new emperor comes to power or for other important reasons.

The era names during Kujō Yoritsugu's time as shōgun include:

• Kangen (1243–1247)
• Hōji (1247–1249)
• Kenchō (1249–1257)