Emperor Ankan facts for kids

Emperor Ankan (安閑天皇, Ankan-tennō) was the 27th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Historians consider details about the life of Emperor Ankan to be possibly legendary, but probable. The name Ankan-tennō was created for him posthumously by later generations.

No certain dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign. The conventionally accepted names and sequence of the early emperors were not to be confirmed as "traditional" until the reign of Emperor Kammu, who was the 50th monarch of the Yamato dynasty.

Traditional history

According to Kojiki Ankan was the elder son of Emperor Keitai.

Ankan died childless, and the throne passed to his brother, who would become known as Emperor Senka.

Events of Ankan's life

Very little is known about the events of Ankan's life and reign. Only limited information is available for study prior to the reign of the 29th monarch, Emperor Kimmei.

Ankan attained the Imperial throne when his father, Emperor Keitai, abdicated in his favor.

The construction of state granaries in large numbers throughout Japan was a demonstration of the broad reach of Imperial power and concerns.

The mausoleum (misasagi) of Emperor Ankan in Osaka Prefecture.

His death ended his reign after only four years.

After his death

This emperor's official name after his death (his posthumous name) was regularized many centuries after the lifetime which was ascribed to Ankan.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the emperor's final resting place is in an earthen tumulus (kofun). Ankan is venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) which is associated with the burial mound.

Related pages

• Emperor of Japan
• List of Emperors of Japan
• Japanese Imperial family tree
• Kofun period

The chrysanthemum symbol of the Japanese emperor and his family.

Images for kids

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  Memorial Shinto shrine and mausoleum honoring Emperor Ankan

See also

In Spanish: Ankan Tennō para niños