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56-519: Suinin's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 29 BC to AD 70. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered seventeen children with two chief wives (empress) and six consorts. One of his sons became the next emperor upon his death in 70 AD, but the location of his father's grave (if any) is unknown. Suinin is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb ( misasagi ) at Nishi-machi, Amagatsuji, Nara City . The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and

112-465: A memorial Shinto shrine ( misasagi ) at Nishi-machi, Amagatsuji, Nara City . The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Suinin's mausoleum , and is formally named Sugawara no Fushimi no higashi no misasagi . While the Ise Grand Shrine is traditionally said to have been established in the 1st century BC, other dates in the 3rd and 4th centuries have also been put forward for

168-444: A certain maiden approached Ōhiko and sang him a cryptic song, only to disappear afterwards. Sujin's aunt Yamatototohimomoso-hime ( 倭迹迹日百襲媛命 ) , who was skilled at clairvoyance, interpreted this to mean that Take-hani-yasu-hiko (Ōhiko's half brother ) was plotting an insurrection . Yamatototohimomoso-hime pieced it together from overhearing news that Take-hani-yasu-hiko's wife (Ata-bime) came to Mount Amanokaguya ( 天香久山 ) , and took

224-549: A chief wife (empress) and two consorts. When he died in 30 BC, his son Prince Ikumeirihikoisachi became the next emperor per Sujin's choice. Sujin's actual burial site is unknown, but is said to be at Mount Miwa . While Emperor Sujin is the first emperor whom historians state might have actually existed, he is not confirmed as an actual historical figure. Like his predecessors, his reign is disputed due to insufficient material available for further verification and study. Sujin's possible lifespan has been suggested to be as early as

280-534: A clump of earth in the corner of her neckerchief . Emperor Sujin gathered his generals in a meeting upon hearing the news, but the couple had already mustered troops to the west who were ready to attack the capital. The Emperor responded by sending an army under the command of general Isaseri-hiko no Mikoto to fight a battle that ended with a decisive Imperial victory. Ata-bime was killed in combat, and her husband fled back north. Sujin then sent general Hiko-kuni-fuku ( 彦国葺命 ) north to Yamashiro Province to punish

336-467: A god who identified himself as Ōmononushi . This god claimed responsibility for the plague, announcing that it would not stop until he was venerated. Although the Emperor propitiated to the god, the effects were not immediate. Sujin was later given guidance in the form of a dream to seek out a man named Ōtataneko  [ ja ] ( 太田田根子 ) and appoint him as head priest. When he was found and installed,

392-561: A location in Ise , where she established Naiku , the Inner Shrine. She is said to have chosen the location after she heard the voice of Amaterasu say; "(Ise) is a secluded and pleasant land. In this land I wish to dwell." Amaterasu had previously been enshrined and worshipped in Kasanui, which was set up by Suinin's father in an attempt to alleviate a devastating plaque. The Kojiki records that during

448-513: A mausoleum (misasagi) for Suinin is currently maintained. There remains no conclusive evidence though that supports this historical figure actually reigning. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki , which are collectively known as Kiki ( 記紀 ) or Japanese chronicles . These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. The records state that Suinin

504-693: A very important son named "Prince Ōsu" ( Yamato Takeru ), who was in possession of the Kusanagi when he died. This treasure was later moved to Atsuta Shrine , and is now a part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan . There is a possibility that Keikō actually lived or reigned in the 4th century AD rather than the 1st, but more information is needed to confirm this view. Keikō's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 71 to 130 AD. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered at least 80 children with two chief wives (empress) and nine consorts. One of his sons became

560-410: Is also known to have an exaggerated lifespan which is unlikely to be factual. The consecutive reigns of the emperors began to be compiled in the 8th century, and it is thought that age gaps were "filled up" as many lacunae were present. For comparison, verified ages in the 110s have since been documented and recorded as the "oldest in the world". While the actual site of Keikō's grave is not known,

616-412: Is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki , which are collectively known as Kiki ( 記紀 ) or Japanese chronicles . These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. The records state that Sujin was born sometime in 148 BC, and was the second son of Emperor Kaika . Sujin's mother

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672-498: The Kojiki , and Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto ( 御間城入彦五十瓊殖天皇 ) or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto ( 御肇國天皇 ) in the Nihon Shoki was the tenth Emperor of Japan . While Sujin is the first emperor whose existence historians widely accept, he is still referred to as a "legendary emperor" due to a lack of information available and because dates for his reign vary. Both

728-647: The Kojiki , and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki ) record events that took place during Sujin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he set up a new shrine outside of the Imperial palace to enshrine Amaterasu . He is also credited with initiating the worship of Ōmononushi (equated with the deity of Mount Miwa ), and expanding his empire by sending generals to four regions of Japan in what became known as

784-535: The Nihon Shoki as 纒向珠城宮 ) at Makimuku in what later became Yamato Province . Suinin is best known for events that surround the founding of the Ise Grand Shrine . The Nihon Shoki states that around 2,000 years ago the Emperor ordered his daughter Yamatohime-no-mikoto , to find a permanent location to worship the goddess Amaterasu -ōmikami (the Sun Goddess). Yamatohime searched for 20 years before settling on

840-591: The Four Cardinal Quarters in what would be known as the Shidō shogun . These areas (west, north/northwest, northeast, and east) were all centered around the capital in Yamato Province . Sujin instructed his generals (shogun) to quell those who would not submit to their rule. One of the four shoguns who had been sent to the northern region was named Ōhiko ( 大彦 ) , who was also Emperor Kōgen 's first son. One day

896-466: The kofun ( tumulus ), and its formal name is '' Yamanobe no michi no Magari no oka no e no misasagi . Sujin's kofun is one of six that are present in the area; the mounds are thought to have built sometime between 250 and 350 AD. Outside of the Kojiki , the reign of Emperor Kinmei ( c.  509  – 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography is able to assign verifiable dates. The conventionally accepted names and dates of

952-686: The next emperor upon his death in 130 AD, but the location of Keikō's grave (if any) is unknown. Keikō is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb ( misasagi ) at Nara . The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Keiko is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki , which are collectively known as Kiki ( 記紀 ) or Japanese chronicles . These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. The records state that Keikō

1008-470: The 1st century AD, to as late as the fourth century AD, this is well past his conventionally assigned reign of 97 BC – 30 BC. Like Emperor Kōshō , Emperor Kōrei , and Emperor Kaika , historian Louis Frédéric notes an idea in his book Japan Encyclopedia that Sujin could have lived in the 1st century (AD). This remains disputed though, especially among researchers who have been critical of his book. If Sujin did in fact exist, then he may have been

1064-508: The 3rd year of his reign it is the recorded that he moved the capital to Shiki ( 磯城 ) , naming it the Palace of Mizu-gaki or Mizugaki-no-miya ( 瑞籬宮 ) . The Kiki records that pestilence struck during the 5th year of Sujin's rule, killing half the Japanese population. The following year peasants abandoned their fields and rebellion became rampant. To help relieve the suffering of his people,

1120-539: The 48th year of Sujin's reign (50 BC), he summoned two of his sons saying that he loved them equally and could not make up his mind which to make his heir. He then asked his sons to describe the dreams they had recently, so he could divine their lot by interpreting them. The elder son's name was Toyoki ( 豊城命 ) , and explained to his father that he dreamt of climbing Mt. Mimoro ( Mount Miwa ). While facing east, he said that he thrust his spear eight times and then waved his sword eight times skywards. The younger prince, whose name

1176-464: The Emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine ( misasagi ) at Nara . The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Keikō's mausoleum , and is formally named Yamanobe no michi no e no misasagi . Outside of the Kiki , the reign of Emperor Kinmei ( c.  509 – 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography has been able to assign verifiable dates. The conventionally accepted names and dates of

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1232-478: The Emperor turned his attention towards the gods. At the time, both the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god Yamato-no-Okunitama ( 倭大国魂神 ) were enshrined at the Imperial Residence. Sujin became overwhelmed with having to cohabit with these two powerful deities and set up separate enshrinements to house them. Amaterasu was moved to Kasanui village ( 笠縫邑 ) in Yamato Province (Nara), where a Himorogi altar

1288-505: The Emperor's family consisted of 17 children with these variously ranked wives. Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE  / AD   Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed. Emperor Keik%C5%8D Emperor Keikō ( 景行天皇 , Keikō-tennō ) , also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto ( 大足彦忍代別天皇 ) and Ōtarashihiko-oshirowake no Mikoto ( 大帯日子淤斯呂和氣天皇 ) ,

1344-439: The age of 143, and his son Prince Wakatarashihiko was enthroned as the next emperor the following year. Emperor Keikō is regarded by historians as a "legendary Emperor" as there is insufficient material available for further verification and study. The name Keikō -tennō was assigned to him posthumously by later generations. His name might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to Keikō, possibly during

1400-479: The area and spread his territory. According to traditional sources, Yamato Takeru died in the 43rd year of Emperor Keiko's reign ( 景行天皇四十三年 ) . The possessions of the dead prince were gathered together along with the sword Kusanagi ; and his widow venerated his memory in a shrine at her home. Sometime later, these relics and the sacred sword were moved to the current location of the Atsuta Shrine . Emperor Keikō

1456-420: The early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of Emperor Kanmu between 737 and 806 AD. Emperor Keikō allegedly had a very large family which consisted of 2 wives, 9 concubines, and more than 80 children (51 of which are listed here). It is now questionable and open to debate though, if these numbers are genuine or not. Some of his listed children might actually be duplicates of

1512-723: The early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of Emperor Kanmu between 737 and 806 AD. The lineal ancestor of the current reigning emperor can be traced back to Emperor Kōkaku , who lived a thousand years later. Empress: Mimaki-hime ( 御間城姫 ) , Prince Ōhiko 's daughter Consort: Tootsuayumemaguwashi-hime ( 遠津年魚眼眼妙媛 ) , Kii no Arakahatobe's daughter Consort: Owari-no-ōama-hime ( 尾張大海媛 ) , Prince Tatehiroshinabi's daughter ( Nihongi / Nihon Shoki ) →See under Nihon Shoki for fuller bibliography. (Secondary sources) Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE  / AD   Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū

1568-509: The early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of Emperor Kanmu between 737 and 806 AD. Emperor Suinin had two chief wives (aka Empress), it is recorded in the Kiki that the first empress was named Saho. Not much is known about her other than that her father was Emperor Kaika 's son and she allegedly died sometime in 34 AD. As with the first empress there is also not much known about Suinin's second chief wife Hibasu. She

1624-565: The end of his reign in (36 BC), both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki records indicate that Sujin started to encourage the building of artificial ponds and canals. During this time, Yosami pond ( 依網池 ) was built near Ōyosami Shrine ( 大依羅神社 ) in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka . Sujin is also credited with building Sakaori pond ( 酒折池 ) which was said to be located in Karu ( Kashihara, Nara ). During his alleged lifetime, Sujin fathered twelve children with

1680-454: The establishment of Naikū and Gekū respectively. The first shrine building at Naikū was allegedly erected by Emperor Tenmu (678–686), with the first ceremonial rebuilding being carried out by his wife, Empress Jitō , in 692. Outside of the Kiki, the reign of Emperor Kinmei ( c.  509  – 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography has been able to assign verifiable dates. The conventionally accepted names and dates of

1736-416: The founder of the imperial dynasty . Historian Richard Ponsonby-Fane suggests that Sujin may have been the first emperor to perform a census and establish and regularize a system of taxation. In either case (fictional or not), the name Sujin -tennō was assigned to him posthumously by later generations. His name might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to Sujin, possibly during

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1792-579: The heavens by Takehinateru ( 建比良鳥命 ) which were housed in the Izumo Shrine . Izumo Furune ( 出雲振根 ) was the keeper of the treasures, but at the time was away on business in Tsukushi Province . Furune's younger brother Izumo Iiirine ( 出雲飯入根 ) , accommodated the Imperial Edict on his behalf by sending his two younger brothers as carriers of these treasures to show the Emperor. When Furune returned, he

1848-401: The legend of Shidō shogun . This Emperor's reign is conventionally assigned the years of 97 BC – 30 BC. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered twelve children with a chief wife (empress) and two consorts. Sujin chose his future heir based on dreams two of his sons had; in this case, his younger son became Emperor Suinin upon Sujin's death in 30 BC. Like other emperors of this period,

1904-455: The lifetime ascribed to Suinin, possibly during the time in which legends about the origins of the imperial dynasty were compiled as the chronicles known today as the Kojiki . Suinin's longevity was also written down by later compilers, who may have unrealistically extended his age to fill in time gaps. While the actual site of Suinin's grave is not known, the Emperor is traditionally venerated at

1960-505: The location of Sujin's grave if it exists is unknown. He is traditionally venerated at the Andonyama kofun in Tenri, Nara . The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a kofun ( tumulus ) for Sujin is currently maintained. There remains no conclusive evidence though that supports this historical figure actually reigning. The following information available

2016-415: The ongoing plague sweeping the empire, so Sujin decreed a divination to be performed sometime during the 7th year of his reign. The divination involved him making a trip to the plain of Kami-asaji or Kamu-asaji-ga-hara ( 神浅茅原 ) , and invoking the eighty myriad deities . Sujin's aunt Yamatototohimomoso-hime ( 倭迹迹日百襲媛命 ) (daughter of 7th Emperor Emperor Kōrei ) acted as a miko , and was possessed by

2072-449: The origin of Sumai ( Sumo wrestling ). Meanwhile, Emperor Suinin's family grew to consist of 17 children with eight variously ranked wives. One of his consorts named Kaguya-hime-no-Mikoto , is mentioned in the Kojiki as a possible basis for the legend of Kaguya-hime regarding the couple's love story. Emperor Suinin died in 70 AD at the age of 138, and his son Prince Ootarashihikoosirowake

2128-589: The pestilence eventually subsided, allowing five cereal crops to ripen. Out of an abundance of caution, the Emperor also appointed Ikagashikoo ( 伊香色雄 ) as kami-no-mono-akatsu-hito ( 神班物者 ) , or one who sorts the offerings to the gods. To this day the Miwa sect of the Kamo clan claim to be descents from Ōtataneko  [ ja ] , while Ikagashikoo was a claimed ancestor of the now extinct Mononobe clan . In his 10th year of rule, Sujin instituted four of his Generals to

2184-492: The rebel prince. There was ultimately an exchange of bowshots that resulted in Take-hani-yasu-hiko's death by an arrow through the chest. Eventually the Emperor would appoint 137 governors for the provinces under his Imperial rule as the empire expanded. In his 12th year of rule, the Emperor decreed that a census be taken of the populace "with grades of seniority, and the order of forced labour". The tax system meanwhile

2240-449: The reign of Emperor Tenmu ( c.  673  – 686 AD). There were other events during Suinin's reign as well that include an Asama Shrine tradition regarding Mount Fuji . The earliest veneration of Konohanasakuya-hime at the base of the mountain was said to be during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin's reign. The Nihon Shoki also records a wrestling match in which Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kehaya held during his era, as

2296-497: The reign of Emperor Suinin, the first Saiō (High Priestess) was appointed for Ise Grand Shrine . This recording is also noted by Jien , who was a 13th-century historian and poet. This remains disputed though, as the Man'yōshū (The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves) states that the first Saiō to serve at Ise was Princess Ōku . If the latter is true then it would date the Saiō appointments to

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2352-480: The same person. The size of Keikō's family also could have been exaggerated over time through legends and word of mouth stories. Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE  / AD   Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed. Emperor Sujin Emperor Sujin ( 崇神天皇 , Sujin-tennō ) , also known as Mimakiirihikoinie no Mikoto ( 御眞木入日子印恵命 ) in

2408-590: The throne in 71 AD, coming a year after his father's death. Accounts in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are split when it comes to initial territorial expansion during Emperor Keikō's reign. In the Kojiki , the Emperor is said to have sent his son "Prince Ōsu" ( Yamato Takeru ) to Kyūshū to conquer local tribes. Alternatively, the Nihon Shoki records that he went there himself and won battles against local tribes. Both sources agree that Keikō later sent Yamato Takeru to Izumo Province , and eastern provinces to conquer

2464-504: The time in which legends about the origins of the imperial dynasty were compiled as the chronicles known today as the Kojiki . There is a possibility that Keikō's era was in the 4th century AD rather than the 1st. This period is concurrent with the Kentoshi having an audience with the Tang Emperor, more evidence is needed though to make any conclusions. Like his father before him, Keikō

2520-511: The time in which legends about the origins of the imperial dynasty were compiled as the chronicles known today as the Kojiki . Sujin's longevity was also written down by later compilers, who may have unrealistically extended his age to fill in time gaps. While the actual site of Sujin's grave is not known, the Emperor is traditionally venerated at the Andonyama kofun in Tenri, Nara . The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as

2576-436: Was Ikagashikome no Mikoto , who was also a concubine of Sujin's grandfather Emperor Kōgen . Before he was enthroned sometime in 97 BC, his pre-ascension name was either Prince Mimakiirihikoinie no Mikoto , Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto , or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto . The former name is used in the Kojiki , while the latter two are found in the Nihon Shoki . Sujin was enthroned sometime in 97 BC, and during

2632-545: Was Ikume ( 活目命 ) dreamt of climbing Mimoro and spanning ropes on four sides. He went on to say how he chased the sparrows that ate the millet . Sujin accordingly chose his younger son Ikume to become the next Crown prince , while his older son Toyoki was chosen to govern the east. Toyoki ultimately became the ancestor of the Kamitsuke and Shimotsuke clans. In the 60th year of Sujin's reign (38 BC), Sujin told his ministers that he wanted to look at divine treasures brought from

2688-462: Was born sometime in 13 BC, and was given the name "Otarashihiko-no-mikoto". He was the 3rd son of Emperor Suinin , and his second empress wife " Hibasu-hime  [ ja ] ". Otarashihiko-no-mikoto was allegedly chosen as crown prince over his elder brother based on a casual question on what they both had wished for. In the former's case he said "The Empire" while his elder brother said "Bow and arrows". Otarashihiko-no-mikoto later ascended to

2744-431: Was born sometime in 69 BC, and was the third son of Emperor Sujin . Suinin's empress mother was named Mimaki-hime , who is also former Emperor Kōgen 's daughter. Before he was enthroned sometime in 29 BC, his pre-ascension name was Prince Ikumeiribikoisachi no Sumeramikoto . He appears to have ascended the throne a year before his father's death in 30 BC, and ruled from the palace of Tamaki-no-miya ( 師木玉垣宮 , and in

2800-516: Was built out of solid stone. Sujin placed his daughter Toyosukiiri-hime  [ ja ] ( 豊鍬入姫命 ) in charge of the new shrine, and she would become the first Saiō . Yamato-no-Okunitama (the other god) was entrusted to another daughter named Nunakiirihime  [ ja ] , but her health began to fail shortly afterward. It is recorded that Nunakiiri-hime became emaciated after losing all of her hair, which rendered her unable to perform her duties. These events still did not alleviate

2856-464: Was enthroned as the next emperor the following year. Emperor Suinin is regarded by historians as a "legendary Emperor" as there is insufficient material available for further verification and study. Unlike Emperor Sujin , there is less known about Suinin to possibly support his existence. In either case (fictional or not), the name Suinin -tennō was assigned to him posthumously by later generations. His name might have been regularized centuries after

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2912-410: Was furious at Iiirine for parting with the treasures. He invited his younger brother to wade in a pool (named Yamuya) with him, where he used a sword-swapping intrigue. Furune exchanged his own wooden sword with his brother's real sword and commenced a battle which ended with Iiirine's death. When the Imperial court received news of the event, they dispatched two generals to slay Izumo Furune. Towards

2968-401: Was recorded as 10 feet 2 inches (310 cm), who had at least 80 children from multiple wives. This claim would put him into the category of gigantism if verified, although as with other aspects it was more than likely exaggerated . Other than Yamato Takeru , at least three of Keikō's children were ancestors of notable clans. According to tradition, emperor Keikō died in 130 AD at

3024-400: Was set up so taxes imposed were in the form of mandatory labor . These taxes were known as yuhazu no mitsugi ( 弭調 , "bow-end tax") for men and tanasue no mitsugi ( 手末調 , "finger-end tax") for women. During this period peace and prosperity ensued, and the Emperor received the title Hatsu kuni shirasu sumeramikoto ( 御肇国天皇 , "The Emperor, the august founder of the country") . During

3080-422: Was the 12th legendary Emperor of Japan , according to the traditional order of succession . Both the Kojiki , and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki ) record events that took place during Keikō's alleged lifetime. Keikō was recorded as being an exceptionally tall emperor who had a very large family. During his reign he sought to expand territorial control through conquest of local tribes. He had

3136-410: Was the daughter Prince Tanba-no-Michinoushi, who was Prince Hikoimasu's son and Emperor Kaika 's grandson. Hibasu's third son later became known as Emperor Keikō (the next emperor), she allegedly died sometime in 61 AD. Suinin also had six named consorts with an additional one remaining unknown. Prince Tanba-no-Michinoushi (previously mentioned), was also the father to three of Suinin's consorts. In all

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