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Emperor Go-Suzaku (後朱雀天皇 Go-Suzaku-tennō) (December 14, 1009 – February 7, 1045) was the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.[1]
This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Suzaku and go- (後), translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Suzaku". The Japanese word "go" has also been translated to mean the "second one;" and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Suzaku, the second" or as "Suzaku II."
Genealogy
Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina)[2] was Atsunaga-shinnō (敦良親王).[3]. He was also known as Atsunaga-shinnō.[4]
His father was Emperor Ichijō. His mother was Fujiwara no Shōshi (or Akiko) (藤原彰子), the daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga (藤原道長). He was the younger brother and heir to Emperor Go-Ichijō.
Go-Suzaku had five Empresses and seven Imperial sons.[5]
Consorts and children
Crown Princess (died before Emperor's accession): Fujiwara no Kishi/Yoshiko (藤原嬉子), 4th daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga
Empress (kōgō): Imperial Princess Teishi/Sadako (禎子内親王) (1013-1094), 3rd daughter of Emperor Sanjō
Empress (chūgū): Fujiwara no Genshi/Motoko (藤原嫄子) (1016-1039), adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi (biological daughter of Imperial Prince Atsuyasu (敦康親王))
- Imperial Princess Yūshi/Sukeko (祐子内親王) (1038-1105) - (Sanpon-Jusangū, 三品准三宮)
- Imperial Princess Baishi (禖子内親王) (Rokujō Saiin, 六条斎院) (1039-1096) - Saiin at Kamo Shrine 1046-1058
Nyōgo: Fujiwara no Nariko/Seishi (藤原生子) (1014-1068), eldest daughter of Fujiwara no Norimichi (藤原教通)
Nyōgo: Fujiwara Enshi/Nobuko (藤原延子) (1016-1095), 2nd daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimune (藤原頼宗)
Events of Go-Suzaku's life
- Chōgen 9, on the 17th day of the 4th month (1036): In the 9th year of Emperor Go-Ichijō's reign (後一条天皇9年), he died; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by a his son.[6]
- Chōgen 9, in the 7th month (1036): Emperor Go-Suzaku is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’).[7]
- Kantoku 2, on the 16th day of the 1st month (1045): Emperor Go-Suzaku abdicated.[5]
- Kantoku 2, on the 18th day of the 1st month (1045): The former-Emperor Go-Suzaku died at the age of 37.[8] His reign has lasted nine years -- five in the nengō Chōryaku, four in Chōkyu, and 2 in Kantoku.
Go-Suzaku is buried amongst the "Seven Imperial Tombs" at Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto. The specific mound which commemorates the Hosokawa Emperor Go-Suzaku is today named Shu-zan. The emperor's burial place would have been quite humble in the period after Go-Suzaku died. These tombs reached their present state as a result of the 19th century restoration of imperial sepulchers (misasagi) which were ordered by Emperor Meiji. The final resting place of Emperor Go-Suzaku's consort, Teishi Nai-shinnō (1013-1094), is here as well.[9]
Kugyō
Kugyō (公卿) is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras. Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted.
In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Go-Suzaku's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:
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