Emperor Temmu

Emperor Temmu (???? Temmu Tenn?) (c. 631 - October 1, 686) was the 40th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He ruled from 672 until his death in 686. He was the youngest son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Saimei, and the younger brother of the Emperor Tenji. His name at birth was Prince ?ama. He was succeeded by Empress Jit?, who was both his niece and his wife.

Politics

In Nihonshoki Temmu is described as a great innovator, but the neutrality of those descriptions is doubtful since the work was written under the imperial control of his descendents.

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He strengthened the power of the emperor and appointed his son to the highest offices of his government, reducing the traditional influence of powerful clans such as the ?tomo and Soga clans. He renewed the system of kabane, the hereditary titles of duty and rank, but with alterations, including obsoleting some earlier titles. Omi and Muraji, the highest kabane in the earlier period, were reduced in value in the new hierarchy, which consisted of eight kinds of kabane. Each clan received a new kabane according to their closeness to the imperial bloodline and their loyalty to the Emperor Temmu.

Related Topics:
?tomo - Soga - Kabane - Omi - Muraji

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Temmu attempted to keep a power balance between his sons. Once he traveled to Yoshino together with his sons, and there had them swear to cooperate and not to war between themselves. This turned out to be ineffective; one of his sons, Prince ?tsu, would later be executed due to treachery after the death of Temmu.

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His foreign policy favored the Korean kingdom Silla, which took over the entire Korean peninsula in 676. After the unification by Silla, Temmu decided to break diplomatic relations with the Tang dynasty of China to keep on good terms with Silla.

Related Topics:
Silla - 676 - Tang dynasty

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He utilized religious structures to increase the imperial throne's authority. During his reign there was increased emphasis on the tie between the imperial household and the Ise Shrine (which was dedicated to the ancestor goddess of emperors, Amaterasu), and several festivals were financed from the national budget. He also showed favor to Buddhism and built several large temples and monasteries. On the other hand, all Buddhist priests, monks and nuns were controlled by the state, and according to the law, no one was allowed to become a monk without state permission. This was aimed at preventing cults and stopping farmers from turning into priests.

Related Topics:
Ise Shrine - Amaterasu - Buddhism

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