Emperor Kimmei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kimmei |
|
|---|---|
| Emperor of Japan | |
| Reign | 540–571 |
| Predecessor | Senka |
| Successor | Bidatsu |
| Born | 509 |
| Died | 571 (aged 61–62) |
| Burial | Hinokuma no saki Ai no misasagi (Nara) |
Emperor Kimmei (欽明天皇, Kimmei-tennō, 509-571), also written as Kinmei, was the 29th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign started in 540 and ended in 571. Historians consider details about the life of Emperor Kimmei to be possibly legendary, but probable. The name Kimmu-tennō was created for him posthumously by later generations.
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
Emperor Kimmei's father was Emperor Keitai and his mother was Emperor Ninken's daughter, Princess Tashiraka (手白香皇女, Tashiraka Ōjo). He was the third son; and his older brother was Emperor Senka.
Kimmei had six wives and 25 Imperial children (16 sons and 9 daughters).
Events of Kimmei's life
- 539: Emperor Senka died from old age in 539, and the succession was received by his younger brother, who would become known as Emperor Kimmei.
- 540: Kimmei accepted his role as monarch (sokui). This was confirmed in ceremonies.
- 572: In the 32nd year of Kimmei's reign, he died; and his second son became his successor.
Kimmei established his court at Shikishima no Kanazashi (磯城嶋金刺宮) in Yamato.
Kimmei's reign was marked by the introduction of Buddhism in Japan. The King of Kudara in Korea sent the emperor gifts of Buddhist scripture and a statue of the Buddha.
In this reign, the emperor's chief ministers were:
- Soga no Iname, also known as Soga no Iname no Sukune. The Soga clan were supporters of Buddhism.
- Mononobe no Okoshi, also known as Monotobe Okoshi no Muraji. The Mononobe clan opposed the introduction of Buddhism.
- Nakatomi no Kanamura, also known as Ōtomo Kanamura Maro. The Nakatomi clan opposed the introduction of Buddhism.
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 Kimmei.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the emperor's final resting place is in an earthen tumulus (kofun). Kimmei is venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) which is associated with the burial mound.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Kinmei Tennō para niños
