Emperor Konoe was the 76th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Konoe's reign spanned the years from 1142 through 1155.

Genealogy

Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Narihito-shinnō (体仁親王). He was also known as Tosihito-shinnō. Emperor Konoe was the eighth son of Emperor Toba. His mother was Fujiwara no Nariko (1117–1160), the wife of Emperor Toba.

Events of Konoe's life

Konoe was named heir shortly after he was born in 1139; and he was proclaimed emperor at the age of 3. At that time, the Kampaku Fujiwara-no Tadamichi became Sesshō or regent. The Cloistered Emperor Toba continued to direct all the affairs of government, while the retired Emperor Sutoku had no powers. This conflict resulted in many controversies during Konoe's reign. During Konoe's reign, the Enshō (Superiority of Duration) Temple. After this, successive emperors no longer build Imperial-prayer temples. Emperor Konoe's reign lasted for 13 years: 2 years in the nengō Kōji, 1 year in Ten'yō, 6 years in Kyūan, 3 years in Ninpei, and 2 years in Kyūju.

Kugyō

Kugyō (公卿) is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras. In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Konoe's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:

Eras of Konoe's reign

The years of Konoe's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.

Ancestry