Emperor Yōzei
| Yōzei | |
|---|---|
| Emperor of Japan | |
(from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu)
|
|
| Reign | 876–884 |
| Coronation | 877 |
| Predecessor | Seiwa |
| Successor | Kōkō |
| Born |
January 2, 869 Somedono In, Heian Kyō (Kyōto) |
| Died | October 23, 949 (aged 80) Heian Kyō (Kyōto) |
| Burial | Kaguragaoka no Higashi no misasagi (Kyōto) |
| Father | Seiwa |
| Mother | Fujiwara no Takaiko |
Emperor Yōzei (陽成天皇 Yōzei-tennō?, 2 January 869–23 October 949) was the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.
Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.
Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Sadaakira Shinnō (貞明親王).
Yōzei was the oldest son of Emperor Seiwa. His mother was the Empress Fujiwara no Takaiko, who was also known after Seiwa's abdication as the Nijō empress. Yōzei's mother was the sister of Fujiwara no Mototsune, who would figure prominently in the young emperor's life.
In ancient Japan, there were four noble clans, the Gempeitōkitsu (源平藤橘). One of these clans, the Minamoto clan (源氏) are also known as Genji, and of these, the Yōzei Genji (陽成源氏) are descended from the 57th emperor Yōzei.
Yōzei had nine Imperial children, born after he had abdicated.
Yōzei was made emperor when he was an immature, unformed young boy.
According to very scanty information from the Imperial archives, including sources such as Rikkokushi, and Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku, Emperor Yōzei murdered one of his retainers, an action that caused massive scandal in the Heian court. Japanese society during the Heian era was very sensitive to issues of "pollution," both spiritual and personal. Deaths (especially killing animals or people) were the worst acts of pollution possible, and warranted days of seclusion in order to purify oneself. Since the Emperor was seen as a divine figure and linked to the deities, pollution of such extreme degree committed by the highest source was seen as extremely ruinous. Many of the high court officials construed Emperor Yōzei's actions as exceeding the bounds of acceptable behavior, and as justifiable cause for the emperor to be forcibly deposed.
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