Montoku

Montoku was the 55th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 850 to 858.

Early Life

Montoku was born in 827, the eldest son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Junshi, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. Montoku had several consorts and children.

Reign

Montoku ascended to the throne in 850, following the death of his father, Emperor Nimmyō. His reign was marked by the continued influence of the Fujiwara clan, particularly Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, who served as regent for Montoku's son when he ascended to the throne.

During Montoku's reign, there were several notable events. In 855, there was a major rebellion in Mutsu Province, known as the Mutsu Disturbance. In the same year, Montoku ordered the compilation of the Sandai Jitsuroku, the third of the six classical Japanese history texts.

Death and Succession

Emperor Montoku died in 858 at the age of 32. He was succeeded by his son, who would become Emperor Seiwa. Montoku's grave is traditionally believed to be located in Osaka. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Montoku's mausoleum, and it is formally named Takamatsuzuka no misasagi.

Legacy

Emperor Montoku is remembered for his patronage of Buddhism and his efforts to consolidate Imperial power. His reign also marked the beginning of the period of Fujiwara regency, which would last for over three centuries.

See also

• Emperor of Japan
• Fujiwara clan
• Mutsu Disturbance
• Sandai Jitsuroku

References

• Brown, Delmer M. and Ichirō Ishida, eds. (1979). Gukanshō: The Future and the Past. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-03460-0; OCLC 251325323
• Titsingh, Isaac. (1834). Nihon Ōdai Ichiran; ou, Annales des empereurs du Japon. Paris: Royal Asiatic Society, Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland. OCLC 5850691