Prince Tsunesada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tsunesada |
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| Crown Prince of Japan | |
Illustration by Kikuchi Yōsai, from Zenken Kojitsu
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| Born | 825 |
| Died | October 12, 884 (aged 58–59) |
| Father | Emperor Junna |
| Mother | Seishi |
Prince Tsunesada (恒貞親王, Tsunesada-shinnō, 825 – October 12, 884) was a Japanese prince who lived during the early Heian period (794-1185). He was the second son of Emperor Junna. He was also known as Prince Teishi (亭子親王), and later by his Buddhist name, Gōjyaku (恒寂). From 833 to 842, he was the Crown Prince (皇太子, Kōtaishi), meaning he was next in line to become emperor, during the rule of his cousin, Emperor Ninmyō.
Life of Prince Tsunesada
Prince Tsunesada became the chosen successor of his father, Emperor Junna, after his older half-brother, Prince Tsuneyo (恒世親王), passed away. In 833, his cousin, Emperor Ninmyō, became the new emperor. The retired emperor, Emperor Saga, wanted Tsunesada to be the Crown Prince, so it happened.
In 838, Tsunesada took part in the shishin-den (紫宸殿) palace. This was his genbuku rite of passage, a special ceremony for young men becoming adults. People said he showed excellent manners and looked very graceful. After this, Tsunesada and his father, the retired Emperor Junna, worried about getting caught in political power struggles. They asked many times if they could step down from their roles. However, Emperor Saga and Emperor Ninmyō always told them to stay.
Things changed after the Jōwa Incident in 842, right after Emperor Saga died. This was a political event that led to Tsunesada being removed as Crown Prince.
In 849, Prince Tsunesada was given a high official position called the third rank (三品). But soon after, he decided to become a monk and took the Buddhist name Gōjyaku. He received a special Buddhist ceremony called kanjō from Prince Takaoka, who was also a monk. Tsunesada then became the first abbot, or head, of the Daikaku-ji temple.
In 884, another argument started about who should be the next emperor after Emperor Yōzei stepped down. Tsunesada was asked to become emperor, but he said no. It is said that in his final moments, he announced his time had come. He cleaned his clothes, offered flowers and incense to the Buddha, and sat in the Lotus position facing West before he died.
Personality and Skills
According to an old Japanese history book called the Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku, Prince Tsunesada was known for being easygoing and elegant. He also had a very handsome appearance.
Tsunesada was also famous for his beautiful handwriting, which is known as calligraphy.
Family Tree
- Father: Emperor Junna
- Mother: Princess Seishi, who was the daughter of Emperor Saga
- Wife: A daughter of Fujiwara no Chikanari
- Wife: A daughter of Fujiwara no Koreo (藤原是雄)
