Emperor Nijō (二条天皇) was the 78th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1158 through 1165.

Genealogy

Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Morihito-shinnō (守仁親王). He was the eldest son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. He was the father of Emperor Rokujō.

Events of Nijō's life

Nijō was proclaimed as heir to Emperor Go-Shirakawa. After Nijō was formally enthroned, the management of all affairs continued to rest entirely in the hands of the retired emperor, Go-Shirakawa.

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 Nijō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included:

Eras of Nijō's reign

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

Ancestry