Kujō Yoritsune facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fujiwara no Yoritsune 藤原 頼経
Shōgun
In office 1226–1244
Monarch	Go-Horikawa Shijō Go-Saga
Shikken	Hōjō Yasutoki Hōjō Tsunetoki
Preceded by	Minamoto no Sanetomo
Succeeded by	Fujiwara no Yoritsugu
Personal details
Born	(1218-02-12)February 12, 1218 Kyoto, Japan
Died	September 1, 1256(1256-09-01) (aged 38) Kyoto, Japan
Spouse	Take no gosho
Children	Fujiwara no Yoritsugu Dōzō Genne Otowakamaru?
Parents	Kujō Michiie (father) Saionji Rinshi (mother)
Signature

Kujō Yoritsune (born February 12, 1218 – died September 1, 1256) was an important leader in Japan's history. He was the fourth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate, a military government that ruled Japan for many years. He was also known as Fujiwara no Yoritsune.

Yoritsune came from the powerful Kujō family, which was part of the even larger Fujiwara clan. This family was known for its close ties to the Japanese imperial court. He became shogun when he was very young, and his time as leader was shaped by other powerful figures, especially the Hōjō clan.

His Family and Early Life

Kujō Yoritsune's father was Kujō Michiie, a high-ranking official in the imperial court. His grandmother was related to Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was the very first shogun. Yoritsune's wife was also a granddaughter of Yoritomo.

Yoritsune was born on a special day, according to Chinese astrology, which was the year, month, and day of the Tiger. Because of this, he was given the birth name Mitora, meaning "Triple Tiger."

Here are some details about his family:

• Father: Kujō Michiie
• Mother: Saionji Rinko
• Wife: Minamoto no Yoshiko (1202–1234)
• Children:
  • Kujō Yoritsugu
  • Kujō Michijo
  • Minamoto no Meguhime

Becoming Shogun

In 1226, when Yoritsune was only seven years old, he became the Sei-i Taishōgun. This was a very important military title. He was chosen as shogun as part of a political agreement. His father and the powerful Hōjō clan leaders, Hōjō Yoshitoki and Hōjō Masako, arranged this.

The Hōjō clan were the real rulers of the Kamakura shogunate. They used Yoritsune as a "puppet shogun." This means he had the title and appeared to be in charge, but the Hōjō regents made all the important decisions. The main regent, called a shikken, was Hōjō Yasutoki.

Important Events as Shogun

Even though Yoritsune was a "puppet shogun," many important events happened during his time.

• 1225: Yoritsune had his coming-of-age ceremony when he was eight. However, the Hōjō regent, Hōjō Yasutoki, still controlled everything.
• 1226: Emperor Go-Horikawa gave Yoritsune a high rank in the court. This showed his importance in the government.
• 1230: Yoritsune married Minamoto no Yoriie's daughter. She was 15 years older than him.
• 1231-1236: Over these years, Yoritsune received many higher ranks in the imperial court. This meant he was becoming more respected in the government.
• 1237: Yoritsune ordered a new mansion to be built in Rokuhara, a part of Kyoto.
• 1238: Yoritsune traveled from Kamakura to Kyoto. He was joined by Yasutoki and many soldiers. He lived in his new palace in Kyoto for a short time before returning to Kamakura.
• July 14, 1242: The powerful regent, Hōjō Yasutoki, passed away at age 60. He had been the main leader of the Kamakura shogunate for 19 years.
• 1242: Yasutoki's son, Hōjō Tsunetoki, became the new regent. After this, Yoritsune tried to take more control of the shogunate himself.
• 1244: Yoritsune saw strange things in the sky over Kamakura, which worried him.
• 1244: Yoritsune's son, Yoritsugu, had his coming-of-age ceremony at age six. In the same month, Yoritsune asked Emperor Go-Saga if his son could become the next shogun.
• September 11, 1245: Yoritsune became a Buddhist priest. This often meant stepping away from political life.
• 1246: Yoritsune's son, Yoritsugu, who was now the shogun, married the sister of the regent, Hōjō Tsunetoki. This continued the strong connection between the shogun and the Hōjō clan.

End of His Time as Shogun

Kujō Yoritsune passed away on September 1, 1256, at the age of 38. His son, Fujiwara Yoritsugu, who had become shogun after him, also passed away shortly after, on October 14, 1256, at the age of 16.

Japanese Eras During His Time

In Japan, time was also marked by special periods called nengō or eras. Here are the eras when Yoritsune was shogun:

• Karoku (1225–1227)
• Antei (1227–1229)
• Kangi (1229–1232)
• Jōei (1232–1233)
• Tenpuku (1233–1234)
• Bunryaku (1234–1235)
• Katei (1235–1238)
• Ryakunin (1238–1239)
• En'ō (1239–1240)
• Ninji (1240–1243)
• Kangen (1243–1247)

See also

In Spanish: Kujō Yoritsune para niños