Emperor Kōmyō

Emperor Kōmyō
2nd Northern Pretender
Emperor Kōmyō
Reign	1336–1348
Predecessor	Emperor Kōgon
Successor	Emperor Sukō
Born	January 11, 1322
Died	July 26, 1380 (aged 58)

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.

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)

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.

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