Quick Facts
Biography
Emperor Kōmyō (光明天皇, Kōmyō Tennō) (January 11, 1322 – July 26, 1380) was the 2nd of the Ashikaga Pretenders, although he was actually the first to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1336 through 1348.
Genealogy
His personal name was Yutahito (豊仁). Second son of Emperor Go-Fushimi. His mother was Neishi (寧子), the daughter of Saionji Kinhira (西園寺公衡)
Events of Kōmyō's life
In his own lifetime, Kōmyō and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from September 20, 1336 to November 18, 1348.
When Ashikaga Takauji, rebelling against Emperor Go-Daigo's Kenmu Restoration, entered Kyōto in 1336, Go-Daigo fled to Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. Despite lacking the sacred treasures, Prince Yutahito was enthroned as emperor, beginning the Northern Court. On the 12th day, 21st day, Go-Daigo escaped to Yoshino, founding the Southern Court.
On November 18, 1348, he abdicated in favor of the eldest son of his older brother, the former claimant to the throne Emperor Kōgon, who became the Northern Pretender Emperor Sukō.
In April 1352, taking advantage of the Kan'ō Disturbance, a family feud in the Ashikaga clan, the Southern Emperor Emperor Go-Murakami entered Kyoto, capturing it and carrying away Kōmyō along with Emperor Kōgon and Emperor Sukō and the Crown Prince Tadahito. They all ended up finally in Anau, the location of the Southern Court.
In the Shōhei Reunification, Kōmyō and his companions were placed under house arrest in Yamato Province, in what is today the village of Nishiyoshino, Yoshino District, Nara. In 1355, returning to Kyōto, he entered a monastery.
- July 26, 1380 (Kōryaku 2, 24th day of the 6th month): The former emperor died at age 60.
- Sansom, George (1961). A History of Japan, 1334-1615. Stanford University Press. p. 88. ISBN 0804705259.
- Titsingh, p. 315.
Eras of Kōmyō's reign
The years of Kōmyō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.
- Nanboku-chō Northern court
- Eras as reckoned by pretender Court (as determined by Meiji rescript)
- Kenmu (continued)
- Ryakuō
- Kōei
- Jōwa
- Nanboku-chō Southern court
- Eras as reckoned by legitimate Court (as determined by Meiji rescript)
- Engen
- Kōkoku
- Shōhei
- Titsingh, p. 294.
Southern Court Rivals
- Emperor Go-Daigo
- Emperor Go-Murakami