Emperor Konin

Emperor K?nin (???? K?nin Tenn?) (October 13, 709{{an|Japanese_dates1 1}} – December 23, 781{{an|Japanese_dates2 2}}) was the 49th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from 770 to 781. His birth name was Shirakabe ?.

Related Topics:
Imperial ruler - Japan - 770 - 781

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He was a son of Prince Shiki and a grandson of Emperor Tenji. Initially, he was not in line for succession, as Emperor Temmu and his branch held the throne. He married Imperial Princess Ikami, a daughter of Emperor Sh?mu, producing a daughter and a son.

Related Topics:
Emperor Tenji - Emperor Temmu - Emperor Sh?mu

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After his sister in law, Empress Sh?toku (also Empress K?ken), died, he was named her heir. The high courtiers claimed the empress had left her will in a letter in which she had appointed him as her successor. Prior to this, he had been considered a gentle man without political ambition.

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K?nin attempted to reconstruct the state finance and administrative organisations, which had been corrupted under the reign of Empress K?ken.

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After some months, Princess Ikami was promoted to empress and her son became the crown prince. Later, she was accused of cursing her husband, K?nin. Today, it is believed this accusation was revenge for depriving her son of the throne. Princess Ikami was stripped of the rank of the consort, and died soon after from illness, at least according to the official documentation.

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After her death, Prince Yamabe, a son of K?nin's by his concubine, Takano no Niigasa (former Yamato no Niigasa), who is said to be a descendant of King Muryeong of Baekje, was named crown prince.

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