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{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Emperor Richū<br>{{nobold|{{lang|ja|履中天皇}}}}
| name = Emperor Richū<br>{{nobold|{{lang|ja|履中天皇}}}}
⚫
| succession = [[Emperor of Japan]]
| image = Emperor Richū.jpg
| image = Emperor Richū.jpg
⚫
| succession = [[Emperor of Japan]]
| caption = Hypothetical depiction of Emperor Richū
| reign = 400–405 (traditional)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/genealogy/img/keizu-e.pdf|title=Genealogy of the Emperors of Japan|work=Kunaicho.go.jp|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>
| reign = 400–405 (traditional)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322210732/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/genealogy/img/keizu-e.pdf|archivedate=March 22, 2011|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/genealogy/img/keizu-e.pdf|title=Genealogy of the Emperors of Japan|work=Kunaicho.go.jp|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>
| coronation =
| coronation =
| cor-type = Japan
| cor-type = Japan
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| issue-link = #Consorts and children
| issue-link = #Consorts and children
| issue-pipe = among others...
| issue-pipe = among others...
| house = [[Imperial House of Japan]]
| royal house = [[Imperial House of Japan]]
| father = [[Emperor Nintoku]]
| father = [[Emperor Nintoku]]
| mother = [[Iwano-hime]]<ref name="Fane1915">{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Imperial_Family_of_Japan/VHgtAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Richu+Iwa+no+hime&pg=PR13&printsec=frontcover|title=Table of Emperors Mothers|work=The Imperial Family of Japan|author=Ponsonby-Fane, Richard|publisher=Ponsonby Memorial Society|year=1915|page=xiii|author-link=Richard Ponsonby-Fane}}</ref>
| mother = [[Iwano-hime]]<ref name="Fane1915">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VHgtAQAAMAAJ&dq=Richu+Iwa+no+hime&pg=PR13|title=Table of Emperors Mothers|work=The Imperial Family of Japan|author=Ponsonby-Fane, Richard|publisher=Ponsonby Memorial Society|year=1915|page=xiii|author-link=Richard Ponsonby-Fane}}</ref>
| birth_date = 336<ref name="Henshall">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tmYYAgAAQBAJ&q=Richu+336&pg=PA487|title=Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945|author=Kenneth Henshall|publisher=Scarecrow Press|year=2013|page=487|isbn=9780810878723}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Japan_Encyclopedia/p2QnPijAEmEC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Richu+336&pg=PA788&printsec=frontcover|title=Index|work=Japan encyclopedia|author=[[Louis Frédéric]]|publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press|page=788|year=2002}}</ref>
| birth_date = 336<ref name="Henshall">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tmYYAgAAQBAJ&q=Richu+336&pg=PA487|title=Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945|author=Kenneth Henshall|publisher=Scarecrow Press|year=2013|page=488|isbn=9780810878723}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&dq=Richu+336&pg=PA788|title=Index|work=Japan encyclopedia|author=[[Louis Frédéric]]|publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press|page=788|year=2002|isbn=9780674017535 }}</ref>
| religion = [[Shinto]]
| religion = [[Shinto]]
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
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}}
}}


{{Nihongo|'''Emperor Richū'''|履中天皇|Richū-tennō}}, also known as {{Nihongo||大兄去来穂別尊|''Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto''}} was the 17th [[Emperor of Japan]], according to the traditional [[List of Emperors of Japan|order of succession]].<ref name="kunaicho">{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/ryobo/guide/017/|title=応神天皇 (17)|work=[[Imperial Household Agency]] (Kunaichō)|language=ja|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Titsingh">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=18oNAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA24|title=Nihon Ōdai Ichiran|author=Titsingh, Isaac.|publisher=Royal Asiatic Society, Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland|language=fr|year=1834|pages=24–25|author-link=Isaac Titsingh}}</ref> Both the ''Kojiki'', and the ''Nihon Shoki'' (collectively known as the ''Kiki'') recorded events that took place during Richū's alleged lifetime. This emperor is best known for an assassination attempt on his life by his brother ''Suminoe'' after the death of their father [[Emperor Nintoku]]. Although no firm dates can be assigned to his life, Richū's brief reign is conventionally considered to have been from 400 to 405.<ref name="Fane1915-2">{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Imperial_Family_of_Japan/VHgtAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Emperor+Richu+prince+343&pg=PA11&printsec=frontcover|title=Richu (400–405)|work=The Imperial Family of Japan|author=Ponsonby-Fane, Richard|publisher=Ponsonby Memorial Society|year=1915|pages=10–11|author-link=Richard Ponsonby-Fane}}</ref>
{{Nihongo|'''Emperor Richū'''|履中天皇|Richū-tennō}}, also known as {{Nihongo||大兄去来穂別尊|''Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto''}} was the 17th [[Emperor of Japan]], according to the traditional [[List of Emperors of Japan|order of succession]].<ref name="kunaicho">{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/ryobo/guide/017/|title=応神天皇 (17)|work=[[Imperial Household Agency]] (Kunaichō)|language=ja|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Titsingh">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=18oNAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA24|title=Nihon Ōdai Ichiran|author=Titsingh, Isaac.|publisher=Royal Asiatic Society, Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland|language=fr|year=1834|pages=24–25|author-link=Isaac Titsingh}}</ref> Both the ''Kojiki'', and the ''Nihon Shoki'' (collectively known as the ''Kiki'') recorded events that took place during Richū's alleged lifetime. This emperor is best known for an assassination attempt on his life by his brother ''Suminoe'' after the death of their father [[Emperor Nintoku]]. Although no firm dates can be assigned to his life, Richū's brief reign is conventionally considered to have been from 400 to 405.<ref name="Fane1915-2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VHgtAQAAMAAJ&dq=Emperor+Richu+prince+343&pg=PA11|title=Richu (400–405)|work=The Imperial Family of Japan|author=Ponsonby-Fane, Richard|publisher=Ponsonby Memorial Society|year=1915|pages=10–11|author-link=Richard Ponsonby-Fane}}</ref>


During his reign local recorders were allegedly appointed for the first time in various provinces, a royal treasury was established, and court waitresses (Uneme) first appeared. Richū had both a wife and a concubine during his lifetime which bore him 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). None of his children would inherit the throne though, as Richū appointed the title of crown prince to his other brother ''Mizuhawake''. Richū allegedly died sometime in 405 at the age of 70, and his brother ''Mizuhawake'' was crowned as [[Emperor Hanzei]] in the following year. While the location of Richū's grave is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a [[memorial]] [[Shinto]] [[kofun|tomb]]. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Richū" were used by later generations to describe him. There is also a general consensus that Richū existed rather than just being a legendary figure.
During his reign local recorders were allegedly appointed for the first time in various provinces, a royal treasury was established, and court waitresses (Uneme) first appeared. Richū had both a wife and a concubine during his lifetime which bore him 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). None of his children would inherit the throne as Richū appointed the title of crown prince to his other brother ''Mizuhawake''. Richū allegedly died sometime in 405 at the age of 70, and his brother ''Mizuhawake'' was crowned as [[Emperor Hanzei]] in the following year. While the location of Richū's grave is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a [[memorial]] [[Shinto]] [[kofun|tomb]]. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Richū" were used by later generations to describe him. There is also a general consensus that Richū was not a legendary figure.


==Protohistoric narrative ==
==Protohistoric narrative ==
The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Richū is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the [[Pseudohistory|pseudo-historical]] ''[[Kojiki]]'' and ''[[Nihon Shoki]]'', which are collectively known as {{Nihongo|''Kiki''|記紀}} or ''Japanese chronicles''. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been [[Tall tale|exaggerated and/or distorted]] over time. These records state that Richū was born to {{Nihongo|'''[[Princess Iwa]]'''|磐之媛命|Iwa no hime no Mikoto}} sometime in 336 AD, and was given the name {{Nihongo||大兄去来穂別尊|''Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto''}}.<ref name="Henshall"/><ref name="Fane1915"/> He was the eldest son of [[Emperor Nintoku]], and was later appointed crown prince by his father during the 31st year of his father's reign. (343 AD).<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Brown1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w4f5FrmIJKIC&q=31st|title=Emperor Richū|work=A Translation and Study of the Gukanshō, an Interpretative History of Japan Written in 1219|author=[[Delmer Brown|Brown, Delmer M.]] and Ichirō Ishida|publisher=University of California Press|year=1979|page=257|isbn=9780520034600}}</ref> When Nintoku died in 399 AD, a period of mourning was followed by a scandal that almost took the soon to be new Emperor's life.
The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Richū is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the [[Pseudohistory|pseudo-historical]] ''[[Kojiki]]'' and ''[[Nihon Shoki]]'', which are collectively known as {{Nihongo|''Kiki''|記紀}} or ''Japanese chronicles''. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been [[Tall tale|exaggerated and/or distorted]] over time. These records state that Richū was born to {{Nihongo|'''[[Princess Iwa]]'''|磐之媛命|Iwa no hime no Mikoto}} sometime in 336 AD, and was given the name {{Nihongo||大兄去来穂別尊|''Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto''}}.<ref name="Henshall"/><ref name="Fane1915"/> He was the eldest son of Emperor Nintoku, and was later appointed crown prince by his father during the 31st year of his father's reign. (343 AD).<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Brown1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w4f5FrmIJKIC&q=31st|title=Emperor Richū|work=A Translation and Study of the Gukanshō, an Interpretative History of Japan Written in 1219|author=[[Delmer Brown|Brown, Delmer M.]] and Ichirō Ishida|publisher=University of California Press|year=1979|page=257|isbn=9780520034600}}</ref> When Nintoku died in 399 AD, a period of mourning was followed by a scandal that almost took the Crown Prince's life.


===Assassination attempt===
===Assassination attempt===
Sometime during the interval before Richū assumed the throne, he sent his younger brother {{Nihongo|Prince Suminoe no Nakatsu|住吉仲皇子}} to make arrangements for his marriage to consort {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> Prince Nakatsu instead passed himself off as his older brother Richū, and seduced Kuro-hime. He made a mistake however, by leaving his wrist-bells at Kuro-hime's house. Richū later discovered these during his first visit to her house, assumed what his brother had done, but decided to take no action against him.<ref name="Aston1"/> Nakatsu on the other hand was fearful of his actions and plotted to kill his brother that night. He secretly raised a small group of people who surrounded his brother's [[Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace|palace]].<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> Luckily for Richū, some of his loyal retainers intervened by rescuing the heir and carrying him off to safety to [[Isonokami Shrine]] in Yamoto. Nakatsu meanwhile set fire to the besieged palace not knowing of his brother's escape.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/>
Sometime during the interval before Richū assumed the throne, he sent his younger brother, {{Nihongo|Prince Suminoe no Nakatsu|住吉仲皇子}} to make marriage arrangements for his consort {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> Prince Nakatsu instead passed himself off as his older brother Richū, and seduced Kuro-hime. When the act was done he carelessly left his wrist-bells behind at Kuro-hime's house. Richū later discovered these during his first visit to her house, assumed what his brother had done, but decided to take no action against him.<ref name="Aston1"/> Nakatsu on the other hand was fearful of his scandalous actions and plotted to kill his brother that night. He secretly raised a small group of people who surrounded his brother's [[Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace|palace]].<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> Luckily for Richū, some of his loyal retainers intervened by rescuing the heir and carrying him off to [[Isonokami Shrine]] in Yamoto. Nakatsu meanwhile set fire to the besieged palace not knowing of his brother's escape.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/>


Learning of his escape, Richū's other younger brother {{Nihongo|Prince Mizuhawake|瑞歯別尊}} (later [[Emperor Hanzei]]) followed him to Yamoto. He was told though that unless he proved his loyality by killing Nakatsu he could not be trusted.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/> Mizuhawake returned to [[Naniwa-kyō|Naniwa]] and bribed one of Nakatsu's [[Affinity (medieval)|retainer]]s to kill him. At the time, Nakatsu had made no preparations as he thought was that his brother had fled and disappeared. Nakatsu was subsequently stabbed to death by his retainer, and Mizuhawake made his way back to Yamoto to report his death. Richū in turn gratefully granted his younger brother "Mura-ahase [[Granary|granaries]].<ref name="Aston1"/>
Richū's other younger brother {{Nihongo|Prince Mizuhawake|瑞歯別尊}} (later Emperor Hanzei) followed him to Yamoto. He was told by Richū though, that unless he proved his loyalty by killing Nakatsu he could not be trusted.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/> Mizuhawake returned to [[Naniwa-kyō|Naniwa]] and bribed one of Nakatsu's [[Affinity (medieval)|retainer]]s to kill him. Nakatsu was utterly defenseless and unprepared as he assumed his brother had fled and disappeared. He was subsequently stabbed to death by his retainer, and Mizuhawake made his way back to Yamoto to report his death. Richū in turn gratefully granted his younger brother "Mura-ahase [[Granary|granaries]].<ref name="Aston1"/>


===Reign===
===Reign===
Richū was crowned emperor after the rebellion had been put to rest in the following year (400 AD).<ref name="Aston1"/> During this time, those who were not executed for their participation in the rebellion were forced to undergo tattooing as a punishment.<ref name="Brinkley">{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_History_of_the_Japanese_People_from_th/HOJxAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PA109&printsec=frontcover|title=Chapter XII: The Protohistoric Sovereigns|author=[[Francis Brinkley]]|work=A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|year=1915|pages=108–110}}</ref> Kurohime was also officially appointed as a concubine later in that year. Although the two had two sons and a daughter, Richū appointed the title of "Crown Prince" to his brother Prince Mizuhawake (later Emperor Hanzei) in 401 AD.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> In the year 403 AD, "local recorders were appointed for the first time in various provinces, who noted down statements and communicated writings of the [[Emperor Sujin#Four Cardinal Quarters (Shidō shogun)|four quarters]]."<ref name="Brinkley"/> Kurohime died sometime in the following year (404 AD) under unclear circumstances. Its said that the Emperor heard a voice in the wind utter mysterious words in the "great void" before a messenger announced of her death.<ref name="Brinkley"/> Richū attributed the cause to an offended deity due to the misconduct of an official regarding a shrine.<ref name="Brinkley"/> [[Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime]] was appointed empress in the following year (405 AD), and the two gave birth to a daughter ([[Princess Nakashi]]).<ref name="Aston1"/> A royal treasury was also established in that year which was managed by two appointed Koreans.<ref name="Brinkley"/> Emperor Richū's brief reign ended during its sixth year, when he fell ill and succumbed to disease at the age of 64 or 70.<ref name="Aston1"/><ref name="KojikiR"/> The ''kiki'' states that Richū was buried in the misasagi on the "Plain of Mozo no Mimi".<ref name="Aston1"/><ref name="KojikiR"/> His brother ''Mizuhawake'' was enthroned as the [[Emperor Hanzei|next emperor]] in the following year (406 AD).
Richū was crowned emperor after his brother's failed rebellion had been put to rest in the following year (400 AD).<ref name="Aston1"/> During this time, those who were not executed for their participation in the rebellion were forced to undergo tattooing as a punishment.<ref name="Brinkley">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HOJxAAAAMAAJ&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PA109|title=Chapter XII: The Protohistoric Sovereigns|author=[[Francis Brinkley]]|work=A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|year=1915|pages=108–110}}</ref> Kurohime was also officially appointed as a concubine later in that year. Although the two had two sons and a daughter, Richū appointed the title of "Crown Prince" to his brother Prince Mizuhawake (later Emperor Hanzei) in 401 AD.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/> In the year 403 AD, "local recorders were appointed for the first time in various provinces, who noted down statements and communicated writings of the [[Emperor Sujin#Four Cardinal Quarters (Shidō shogun)|four quarters]]."<ref name="Brinkley"/> Kurohime died sometime in the following year (404 AD) under unclear circumstances. Its said that the Emperor heard a voice in the wind utter mysterious words in the "great void" before a messenger announced of her death.<ref name="Brinkley"/> Richū attributed the cause to an offended deity due to the misconduct of an official regarding a shrine.<ref name="Brinkley"/> [[Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime]] was appointed empress in the following year (405 AD), and the two gave birth to a daughter ([[Princess Nakashi]]).<ref name="Aston1"/> A royal treasury was also established in that year which was managed by two appointed Koreans.<ref name="Brinkley"/> Emperor Richū's reign ended during its sixth year, when he fell ill and succumbed to disease at the age of 64 or 70.<ref name="Aston1"/><ref name="KojikiR"/> The ''kiki'' states that Richū was buried in the misasagi on the "Plain of Mozo no Mimi".<ref name="Aston1"/><ref name="KojikiR"/> His brother ''Mizuhawake'' was enthroned as the [[Emperor Hanzei|next emperor]] in the following year (406 AD).


==Historical assessment==
==Known information==
[[File:Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Aerial photograph 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Emperor Richū is traditionally associated with this ''kamiishizu misanzai'' in Sakai.]]
[[File:Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Aerial photograph 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Emperor Richū is traditionally associated with this ''kamiishizu misanzai'' in Sakai.]]


Richū is regarded by historians as a ruler during the early [[5th century]] whose existence is generally accepted as fact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.t-net.ne.jp/~keally/kofun.html|title=Kofun Culture|author=Kelly, Charles F.|work=www.t-net.ne.jp|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> Orientalist scholar [[James Murdoch (Scottish Orientalist)|James Murdoch]] includes Emperor Richū in the "earliest non-legendary" sovereigns of Japan, while academic [[Richard Ponsonby-Fane]] stated that this "may be termed the semi-historical period".<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_History_of_Japan/VPZxAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PA82&printsec=frontcover|title=Old Yamoto|author=[[James Murdoch (Scottish Orientalist)|James Murdoch]]|work=A History of Japan|publisher=Greenberg|year=1926|page=81}}</ref> Scholar [[Francis Brinkley]] lists Emperor Richū under "Protohistoric sovereigns", and notes that rulers from this point forward no longer have reigns of "incredible length".<ref name="Brinkley"/> Others such as author ''Joshua Frydman'' cite Emperor Richū's lifespan as being realistic in length.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Japanese_Myths/bHN5EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PT107&printsec=frontcover|title=From myth to History|author=Joshua Frydman|work=The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits|publisher=Thames and Hudson Limited|year=2022}}</ref> Richū has also been possibly identified with [[San of Wa|King San]] in the ''[[Book of Song]]'' by Confucian scholars {{nihongo|{{illm|Kenrin Matsushita|ja|松下見林}}|松下見林}} and [[Arai Hakuseki]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISBN4061456377|title=The Mystery of the Five Kings of Wa|author=Yoshinori Yasumoto|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|year=1981|pages=24–25|isbn=4061456377}}</ref> According to Chinese records, King San [[Five kings of Wa|sent messengers]] to the [[Liu Song dynasty]] at least twice in 421 and 425.{{efn|The ''Kiki'' has no mentions of diplomatic relations with China during this time.}}
Richū is regarded by historians as a ruler during the early [[5th century]] whose existence is generally accepted as fact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.t-net.ne.jp/~keally/kofun.html|title=Kofun Culture|author=Kelly, Charles F.|work=www.t-net.ne.jp|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> Orientalist scholar [[James Murdoch (Scottish Orientalist)|James Murdoch]] includes Emperor Richū in the "earliest non-legendary" sovereigns of Japan, while academic [[Richard Ponsonby-Fane]] stated that this "may be termed the semi-historical period".<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VPZxAAAAMAAJ&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PA82|title=Old Yamoto|author=[[James Murdoch (Scottish Orientalist)|James Murdoch]]|work=A History of Japan|publisher=Greenberg|year=1926|page=81}}</ref> Scholar [[Francis Brinkley]] lists Emperor Richū under "Protohistoric sovereigns", and notes that rulers from this point forward no longer have reigns of "incredible length".<ref name="Brinkley"/> Others such as author ''Joshua Frydman'' cite Emperor Richū's lifespan as being realistic in length.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bHN5EAAAQBAJ&dq=Rich%C5%AB&pg=PT107|title=From myth to History|author=Joshua Frydman|work=The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits|publisher=Thames and Hudson Limited|year=2022|isbn=978-0-500-77734-3 }}</ref> Richū has also been possibly identified with [[San of Wa|King San]] in the ''[[Book of Song]]'' by Confucian scholars {{nihongo|{{interlanguage link|Kenrin Matsushita|ja|松下見林}}|松下見林}} and [[Arai Hakuseki]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISBN4061456377|title=The Mystery of the Five Kings of Wa|author=Yoshinori Yasumoto|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|year=1981|pages=24–25|isbn=4061456377}}</ref> According to Chinese records, King San [[Five kings of Wa|sent messengers]] to the [[Liu Song dynasty]] at least twice in 421 and 425.{{efn|The ''Kiki'' has no mentions of diplomatic relations with China during this time.}}


Scholars [[William George Aston]] and Brinkley disagree on the introduction of local recorders. Aston states that the arrival of the Korean scholar [[Wani (scholar)|Wani]] did not take place until 405 AD, and "we have not yet got down to time of accurate chronologically".<ref name="Aston1"/> Brinkley counters this by saying that Wani's innovation was "not the art of writing, but, in all probability, a knowledge of the Chinese classics".<ref name="Brinkley"/> Academic [[Delmer Brown]] wrote that during Richū's reign court waitresses (Uneme) appeared, and storehouses ([[Kura (storehouse)|Kura]]) were built in various provinces. There was also an "Administrator of State Affairs" from his reign on.<ref name="Brown1"/> In regards to Richū's death age, Aston also mentioned that various calculations such as 64, 77, 85, and 87 can't be relied on.<ref name="Aston1"/> Fane however, mentions that Richū died at the age of 67.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/>
Scholars [[William George Aston]] and Brinkley disagree on the introduction of local recorders. Aston states in his reasoning that the arrival of the Korean scholar [[Wani (scholar)|Wani]] did not take place until 405 AD, and "[historians] have not yet got down to time of accurate chronologically".<ref name="Aston1"/> Brinkley counters this by saying that Wani's innovation was "not the art of writing, but, in all probability, a knowledge of the Chinese classics".<ref name="Brinkley"/> Academic [[Delmer Brown]] wrote that during Richū's reign, court waitresses (Uneme) appeared. There were also storehouses ([[Kura (storehouse)|Kura]]) built in various provinces, and an "Administrator of State Affairs" from his reign on.<ref name="Brown1"/> It is commonly accepted among historians that Emperor Richū was in his late 60s if not 70 when he died.<ref name="Fane1915-2"/><ref name="Aston1"/>


There is no evidence to suggest that the title ''tennō'' was used during the time to which Richū's reign has been assigned. It is certainly possible that he was a chieftain or local clan leader, and that the polity he ruled would have only encompassed a small portion of modern-day Japan. It's also possible he could have had the title of {{Nihongo|''Sumeramikoto'' or ''Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi''|治天下大王}}, meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven", or {{Nihongo2|ヤマト大王/大君}} "Great King of Yamato". The name Richū''-tennō'' was more than likely assigned to him [[Posthumous name|posthumously]] by later generations.<ref name="name">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistoryjapanes00kikugoog|title=''A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the end of the Meiji Era''|author=Brinkley, Frank|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica Company|year=1915|page=[https://archive.org/details/ahistoryjapanes00kikugoog/page/n33 21]|quote=Posthumous names for the earthly ''Mikados'' were invented in the reign of Emperor Kanmu (782–805), i.e., after the date of the compilation of the ''Records'' and the ''Chronicles.''|author-link=Francis Brinkley}}</ref> His name might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to Richū, possibly during the time in which legends about the origins of the [[Yamato dynasty]] were compiled as the chronicles known today as the ''[[Kojiki]]''.<ref name="aston109 & 217-223">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_oEfAAAAYAAJ|title=Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, Volume 2|author=Aston, William George.|publisher=The Japan Society London|date=1896|page=109 & 217–223|isbn=9780524053478 |author-link=William George Aston}}</ref>
There is no evidence to suggest that the title ''tennō'' was used during the time to which Richū's reign has been assigned. It is certainly possible that he was a chieftain or local clan leader, and that the polity he ruled would have only encompassed a small portion of modern-day Japan. It's also possible he could have had the title of {{Nihongo|''Sumeramikoto'' or ''Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi''|治天下大王}}, meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven", or {{Nihongo2|ヤマト大王/大君}} "Great King of Yamato". The name Richū''-tennō'' was more than likely assigned to him [[Posthumous name|posthumously]] by later generations.<ref name="name">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistoryjapanes00kikugoog|title=''A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the end of the Meiji Era''|author=Brinkley, Frank|publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica Company|year=1915|page=[https://archive.org/details/ahistoryjapanes00kikugoog/page/n33 21]|quote=Posthumous names for the earthly ''Mikados'' were invented in the reign of Emperor Kanmu (782–805), i.e., after the date of the compilation of the ''Records'' and the ''Chronicles.''|author-link=Francis Brinkley}}</ref> His name might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to Richū, possibly during the time in which legends about the origins of the [[Imperial House of Japan|imperial dynasty]] were compiled as the chronicles known today as the ''[[Kojiki]]''.<ref name="aston109 & 217-223">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_oEfAAAAYAAJ|title=Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, Volume 2|author=Aston, William George.|publisher=The Japan Society London|date=1896|page=109 & 217–223|isbn=9780524053478 |author-link=William George Aston}}</ref>


While the actual site of Richū's [[grave (burial)|grave]] is not known, this regent is traditionally venerated at a ''[[kofun]]''-type Imperial tomb in [[Sakai, Osaka]]. The [[Imperial Household Agency]] designates this location as Richū's [[mausoleum]], and is formally named {{Nihongo|''Mozumimihara Minamisagi''|百舌鳥耳原南陵}}. It is also identified as the {{nihongo|{{illm|Kami Ishizu Misanzai kofun|ja|上石津ミサンザイ古墳|lt=Kami Ishizu Misanzai}}|上石津ミサンザイ古墳}} kofun. Outside of the ''Kiki'', the reign of [[Emperor Kinmei]]{{efn|The 29th Emperor<ref name="Titsingh"/><ref name="Brown">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w4f5FrmIJKIC&pg=PA261|title=A Translation and Study of the Gukanshō, an Interpretative History of Japan Written in 1219|author=[[Delmer Brown|Brown, Delmer M.]] and Ichirō Ishida|publisher=University of California Press|year=1979|pages=248, 261–262|isbn=9780520034600}}</ref>}} ({{circa|509}}&nbsp;– 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography has been able to assign verifiable dates.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=axRyAAAAMAAJ&q=According+to+legend%2C+the+first+Japanese+Emperor+was+Jimmu.+Along+with+the+next+13+Emperors%2C+Jimmu+is+not+considered+an+actual%2C+historical+figure.+Historically+verifiable+Emperors+of+Japan+date+from+the+early+sixth+century+with+Kimmei.|title=''Japanese Politics: Fixed and Floating Worlds''|author=Hoye, Timothy.|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=1999|page=78|quote=According to legend, the first Japanese Emperor was Jimmu. Along with the next 13 Emperors, Jimmu is not considered an actual, historical figure. Historically verifiable Emperors of Japan date from the early sixth century with Kimmei.|isbn=9780132712897}}</ref> The conventionally accepted names and dates of the early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of [[Emperor Kanmu]]{{efn|Kanmu was the 50th sovereign of the [[Yamato dynasty]]}} between 737 and 806 AD.<ref name="aston109 & 217-223"/>
While the actual site of Richū's [[grave (burial)|grave]] is not known, this regent is traditionally venerated at a ''[[kofun]]''-type Imperial tomb in [[Sakai, Osaka]]. The [[Imperial Household Agency]] designates this location as Richū's [[mausoleum]], and is formally named {{Nihongo|''Mozumimihara Minamisagi''|百舌鳥耳原南陵}}. It is also identified as the {{nihongo|{{interlanguage link|Kami Ishizu Misanzai kofun|ja|上石津ミサンザイ古墳|lt=Kami Ishizu Misanzai}}|上石津ミサンザイ古墳}} kofun. Outside of the ''Kiki'', the reign of [[Emperor Kinmei]]{{efn|The 29th Emperor<ref name="Titsingh"/><ref name="Brown">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w4f5FrmIJKIC&pg=PA261|title=A Translation and Study of the Gukanshō, an Interpretative History of Japan Written in 1219|author=[[Delmer Brown|Brown, Delmer M.]] and Ichirō Ishida|publisher=University of California Press|year=1979|pages=248, 261–262|isbn=9780520034600}}</ref>}} ({{circa|509}}&nbsp;– 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography has been able to assign verifiable dates.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=axRyAAAAMAAJ&q=According+to+legend%2C+the+first+Japanese+Emperor+was+Jimmu.+Along+with+the+next+13+Emperors%2C+Jimmu+is+not+considered+an+actual%2C+historical+figure.+Historically+verifiable+Emperors+of+Japan+date+from+the+early+sixth+century+with+Kimmei.|title=''Japanese Politics: Fixed and Floating Worlds''|author=Hoye, Timothy.|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=1999|page=78|quote=According to legend, the first Japanese Emperor was Jimmu. Along with the next 13 Emperors, Jimmu is not considered an actual, historical figure. Historically verifiable Emperors of Japan date from the early sixth century with Kimmei.|isbn=9780132712897}}</ref> The conventionally accepted names and dates of the early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of [[Emperor Kanmu]]{{efn|Kanmu was the 50th sovereign of the imperial dynasty}} between 737 and 806 AD.<ref name="aston109 & 217-223"/>


==Consorts and children==
==Consorts and children==
Line 63: Line 62:
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Kojikigen">{{cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/kj/kj138.htm|title=Sect. CXXXI - Emperor Richū (Part I - Genealogies)|author=Basil Hall Chamberlain|work=A translation of the "Kojiki" or Records of ancient matters|publisher=R. Meiklejohn and Co.|year=1882}}</ref>
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Kojikigen">{{cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/kj/kj138.htm|title=Sect. CXXXI - Emperor Richū (Part I - Genealogies)|author=Basil Hall Chamberlain|work=A translation of the "Kojiki" or Records of ancient matters|publisher=R. Meiklejohn and Co.|year=1882}}</ref>
| Katsuragi no Ashita no Sukune<ref name="Kojikigen"/>
| Katsuragi no Ashita no Sukune<ref name="Kojikigen"/>
| {{*}}{{Nihongo|Prince [[Ichinobe no Oshiwa]]|磐坂市辺押磐皇子}}<ref name="Aston2">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lJ5OAQAAIAAJ&q=Richu|title=Boox XII - The Emperor Iza-Ho-Wake, (Richu Tenno) (Children)|author=[[William George Aston]]|work=Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. (Volume 1)|publisher=London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner|year=1896|page=306}}</ref><ref name=descent>{{cite web|url=https://reichsarchiv.jp/%e5%ae%b6%e7%b3%bb%e3%83%aa%e3%82%b9%e3%83%88/%e5%a4%a9%e7%9a%87%e5%ae%b6#emp017|title=Genealogy|website=Reichsarchiv|access-date=9 January 2021|language=ja}}</ref><br> {{*}}{{Nihongo|{{illm|Prince Mima|ja|御馬皇子}}|御馬皇子}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/><br> {{*}}{{Nihongo|[[Iitoyo|Princess Aomi no Himemiko]]|青海皇女}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>{{efn|name="Aomi"|Aomi no Himemiko is also referred to as "Empress (Regnant) Iitoyo" (飯豊天皇 ''Iitoyo-tennō'') in the ''[[Fusō Ryakuki]]'' and the ''{{illm|Honchō Kōin Jōun-roku|ja|本朝皇胤紹運録}}'', a 12th-century and a 15th-century history respectively.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105004548/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%A3%AF%E8%B1%8A%E9%9D%92%E7%9A%87%E5%A5%B3-430398|archivedate=November 5, 2021|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%A3%AF%E8%B1%8A%E9%9D%92%E7%9A%87%E5%A5%B3-430398|title=Iitoyo-ao no Ōjo|author=Kenkichi Katō|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopedia Nipponica]]|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|script-title=ja:飯豊青皇女|language=Japanese|year=2001|accessdate=February 9, 2023}}</ref>}}
| {{*}}{{Nihongo|Prince [[Ichinobe no Oshiwa]]|磐坂市辺押磐皇子}}<ref name="Aston2">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lJ5OAQAAIAAJ&q=Richu|title=Boox XII - The Emperor Iza-Ho-Wake, (Richu Tenno) (Children)|author=[[William George Aston]]|work=Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. (Volume 1)|publisher=London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner|year=1896|page=306}}</ref><ref name=descent>{{cite web|url=https://reichsarchiv.jp/%e5%ae%b6%e7%b3%bb%e3%83%aa%e3%82%b9%e3%83%88/%e5%a4%a9%e7%9a%87%e5%ae%b6#emp017|title=Genealogy|website=Reichsarchiv|date=30 April 2010 |access-date=9 January 2021|language=ja}}</ref><br> {{*}}{{Nihongo|{{interlanguage link|Prince Mima|ja|御馬皇子}}|御馬皇子}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/><br> {{*}}{{Nihongo|[[Princess Iitoyo|Princess Aomi no Himemiko]]|青海皇女}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>{{efn|name="Aomi"|Aomi no Himemiko is also referred to as "Empress (Regnant) Iitoyo" (飯豊天皇 ''Iitoyo-tennō'') in the ''[[Fusō Ryakuki]]'' and the ''{{interlanguage link|Honchō Kōin Jōun-roku|ja|本朝皇胤紹運録}}'', a 12th-century and a 15th-century history respectively.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105004548/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%A3%AF%E8%B1%8A%E9%9D%92%E7%9A%87%E5%A5%B3-430398|archivedate=November 5, 2021|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%A3%AF%E8%B1%8A%E9%9D%92%E7%9A%87%E5%A5%B3-430398|title=Iitoyo-ao no Ōjo|author=Kenkichi Katō|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopedia Nipponica]]|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|script-title=ja:飯豊青皇女|language=Japanese|year=2001|accessdate=February 9, 2023}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
| Empress<br>([[Kōkyū|Kōgō]])
| Empress<br>([[Kōkyū|Kōgō]])
Line 83: Line 82:
|-
|-
| Prince
| Prince
| {{Nihongo|Mima|御馬皇子}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>
| {{Nihongo|{{ill|Mima no Miko|ja|御馬皇子|vertical-align=sup}}|御馬皇子}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Aston2"/>
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Aston2"/>
| Prince Mima allegedly died sometime in 456 AD{{efn|name="child dates"}}
| Prince Mima allegedly died sometime in 456 AD{{efn|name="child dates"}}
|-
|-
| Princess
| Princess
| {{Nihongo|[[Iitoyo|Aomi no Himemiko]]|青海皇女}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>
| {{Nihongo|[[Princess Iitoyo|Aomi no Himemiko]]|青海皇女}}<ref name="Aston2"/><ref name=descent/>
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Aston2"/>
| {{Nihongo|Kuro-hime|黒媛}}<ref name="Aston2"/>
| Aomi's (aka Iitoyo's{{efn|name="Aomi"}}) lifespan was allegedly between 441 and 484 AD{{efn|name="child dates"}}
| Aomi's (aka Iitoyo's{{efn|name="Aomi"}}) lifespan was allegedly between 441 and 484 AD{{efn|name="child dates"}}
Line 95: Line 94:
| {{Nihongo|[[Princess Nakashi|Nakashi no Hime]]|中磯皇女}}<ref name="Nakashi"/>
| {{Nihongo|[[Princess Nakashi|Nakashi no Hime]]|中磯皇女}}<ref name="Nakashi"/>
| {{Nihongo|[[Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime|Kusakanohatabino]]|草香幡梭皇女}}<ref name="Nakashi"/>
| {{Nihongo|[[Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime|Kusakanohatabino]]|草香幡梭皇女}}<ref name="Nakashi"/>
| Nakashi was married to Prince Ookusaka{{efn|Ookusaka was one of [[Emperor Nintoku]]'s [[Emperor Nintoku#Consorts and children|sons]]}} and then later to [[Emperor Ankō]].
| Nakashi later married [[Emperor Anko]].
|}
|}

==Ancestry==
{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|ref=<ref name=descent/>
|1= 1. '''Emperor Richū'''
|2= 2. [[Emperor Nintoku]]
|3= 3. [[Princess Iwa]]
|4= 4. [[Emperor Ōjin]]
|5= 5. [[:ja:仲姫命|Nakatsu-hime]]
|6= 6. [[:ja:葛城襲津彦|Kazuraki no Sotsuhiko]]
|8= 8. [[Emperor Chūai]] (''legendary'')
|9= 9. [[Empress Jingū]] (''legendary'')
|10=10. Prince Iokiiribiko
|11=11. Kanataya no hime
}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 150: Line 128:
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{Emperor Nintoku (Japan)}}
{{Emperors of Japan}}
{{Emperors of Japan}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Richu}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Richu}}
[[Category:Japanese emperors]]
[[Category:Emperors of Japan]]
[[Category:People of Kofun-period Japan]]
[[Category:People of Kofun-period Japan]]
[[Category:Failed assassination attempts in Japan]]
[[Category:Failed assassination attempts in Japan]]
[[Category:4th-century monarchs in Asia]]
[[Category:5th-century monarchs in Asia]]
[[Category:4th-century Japanese monarchs]]
[[Category:4th-century Japanese monarchs]]
[[Category:5th-century Japanese monarchs]]
[[Category:5th-century Japanese monarchs]]

Latest revision as of 03:13, 30 November 2024

"Richu" redirects here. For the Chinese play, see Sunrise (play).
Emperor Richū
履中天皇
Emperor of Japan
Reign400–405 (traditional)[1]
PredecessorNintoku
SuccessorHanzei
Born336[2][3]
Died405 (aged 68–69)[a]
Burial
Mozu no Mimihara no Minami no misasagi (百舌鳥耳原南陵) (Osaka)
SpouseKusakanohatabino-hime
Issue
among others...		Ichinobe no Oshiwa
Posthumous name
Chinese-style shigō:
Emperor Richū (履中天皇)

Japanese-style shigō:
Ōenoizahowake no Sumeramikoto (去来穂別天皇)
HouseImperial House of Japan
FatherEmperor Nintoku
MotherIwano-hime[6]
ReligionShinto

Emperor Richū (履中天皇, Richū-tennō), also known as Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto (大兄去来穂別尊) was the 17th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.[7][8] Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) recorded events that took place during Richū's alleged lifetime. This emperor is best known for an assassination attempt on his life by his brother Suminoe after the death of their father Emperor Nintoku. Although no firm dates can be assigned to his life, Richū's brief reign is conventionally considered to have been from 400 to 405.[9]

During his reign local recorders were allegedly appointed for the first time in various provinces, a royal treasury was established, and court waitresses (Uneme) first appeared. Richū had both a wife and a concubine during his lifetime which bore him 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). None of his children would inherit the throne as Richū appointed the title of crown prince to his other brother Mizuhawake. Richū allegedly died sometime in 405 at the age of 70, and his brother Mizuhawake was crowned as Emperor Hanzei in the following year. While the location of Richū's grave is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Richū" were used by later generations to describe him. There is also a general consensus that Richū was not a legendary figure.

Protohistoric narrative

[edit]

The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Richū is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. These records state that Richū was born to Princess Iwa (磐之媛命, Iwa no hime no Mikoto) sometime in 336 AD, and was given the name Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto (大兄去来穂別尊).[2][6] He was the eldest son of Emperor Nintoku, and was later appointed crown prince by his father during the 31st year of his father's reign. (343 AD).[9][10] When Nintoku died in 399 AD, a period of mourning was followed by a scandal that almost took the Crown Prince's life.

Assassination attempt

[edit]

Sometime during the interval before Richū assumed the throne, he sent his younger brother, Prince Suminoe no Nakatsu (住吉仲皇子) to make marriage arrangements for his consort Kuro-hime (黒媛).[9][4] Prince Nakatsu instead passed himself off as his older brother Richū, and seduced Kuro-hime. When the act was done he carelessly left his wrist-bells behind at Kuro-hime's house. Richū later discovered these during his first visit to her house, assumed what his brother had done, but decided to take no action against him.[4] Nakatsu on the other hand was fearful of his scandalous actions and plotted to kill his brother that night. He secretly raised a small group of people who surrounded his brother's palace.[9][4] Luckily for Richū, some of his loyal retainers intervened by rescuing the heir and carrying him off to Isonokami Shrine in Yamoto. Nakatsu meanwhile set fire to the besieged palace not knowing of his brother's escape.[9][4]

Richū's other younger brother Prince Mizuhawake (瑞歯別尊) (later Emperor Hanzei) followed him to Yamoto. He was told by Richū though, that unless he proved his loyalty by killing Nakatsu he could not be trusted.[9] Mizuhawake returned to Naniwa and bribed one of Nakatsu's retainers to kill him. Nakatsu was utterly defenseless and unprepared as he assumed his brother had fled and disappeared. He was subsequently stabbed to death by his retainer, and Mizuhawake made his way back to Yamoto to report his death. Richū in turn gratefully granted his younger brother "Mura-ahase granaries.[4]

Reign

[edit]

Richū was crowned emperor after his brother's failed rebellion had been put to rest in the following year (400 AD).[4] During this time, those who were not executed for their participation in the rebellion were forced to undergo tattooing as a punishment.[11] Kurohime was also officially appointed as a concubine later in that year. Although the two had two sons and a daughter, Richū appointed the title of "Crown Prince" to his brother Prince Mizuhawake (later Emperor Hanzei) in 401 AD.[9][4] In the year 403 AD, "local recorders were appointed for the first time in various provinces, who noted down statements and communicated writings of the four quarters."[11] Kurohime died sometime in the following year (404 AD) under unclear circumstances. Its said that the Emperor heard a voice in the wind utter mysterious words in the "great void" before a messenger announced of her death.[11] Richū attributed the cause to an offended deity due to the misconduct of an official regarding a shrine.[11] Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime was appointed empress in the following year (405 AD), and the two gave birth to a daughter (Princess Nakashi).[4] A royal treasury was also established in that year which was managed by two appointed Koreans.[11] Emperor Richū's reign ended during its sixth year, when he fell ill and succumbed to disease at the age of 64 or 70.[4][5] The kiki states that Richū was buried in the misasagi on the "Plain of Mozo no Mimi".[4][5] His brother Mizuhawake was enthroned as the next emperor in the following year (406 AD).

Historical assessment

[edit]
Emperor Richū is traditionally associated with this kamiishizu misanzai in Sakai.

Richū is regarded by historians as a ruler during the early 5th century whose existence is generally accepted as fact.[12] Orientalist scholar James Murdoch includes Emperor Richū in the "earliest non-legendary" sovereigns of Japan, while academic Richard Ponsonby-Fane stated that this "may be termed the semi-historical period".[9][13] Scholar Francis Brinkley lists Emperor Richū under "Protohistoric sovereigns", and notes that rulers from this point forward no longer have reigns of "incredible length".[11] Others such as author Joshua Frydman cite Emperor Richū's lifespan as being realistic in length.[14] Richū has also been possibly identified with King San in the Book of Song by Confucian scholars Kenrin Matsushita [ja] (松下見林) and Arai Hakuseki.[15] According to Chinese records, King San sent messengers to the Liu Song dynasty at least twice in 421 and 425.[b]

Scholars William George Aston and Brinkley disagree on the introduction of local recorders. Aston states in his reasoning that the arrival of the Korean scholar Wani did not take place until 405 AD, and "[historians] have not yet got down to time of accurate chronologically".[4] Brinkley counters this by saying that Wani's innovation was "not the art of writing, but, in all probability, a knowledge of the Chinese classics".[11] Academic Delmer Brown wrote that during Richū's reign, court waitresses (Uneme) appeared. There were also storehouses (Kura) built in various provinces, and an "Administrator of State Affairs" from his reign on.[10] It is commonly accepted among historians that Emperor Richū was in his late 60s if not 70 when he died.[9][4]

There is no evidence to suggest that the title tennō was used during the time to which Richū's reign has been assigned. It is certainly possible that he was a chieftain or local clan leader, and that the polity he ruled would have only encompassed a small portion of modern-day Japan. It's also possible he could have had the title of Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi (治天下大王), meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven", or ヤマト大王/大君 "Great King of Yamato". The name Richū-tennō was more than likely assigned to him posthumously by later generations.[16] His name might have been regularized centuries after the lifetime ascribed to Richū, possibly during the time in which legends about the origins of the imperial dynasty were compiled as the chronicles known today as the Kojiki.[17]

While the actual site of Richū's grave is not known, this regent is traditionally venerated at a kofun-type Imperial tomb in Sakai, Osaka. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Richū's mausoleum, and is formally named Mozumimihara Minamisagi (百舌鳥耳原南陵). It is also identified as the Kami Ishizu Misanzai [ja] (上石津ミサンザイ古墳) kofun. Outside of the Kiki, the reign of Emperor Kinmei[c] (c. 509 – 571 AD) is the first for which contemporary historiography has been able to assign verifiable dates.[19] The conventionally accepted names and dates of the early Emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" though, until the reign of Emperor Kanmu[d] between 737 and 806 AD.[17]

Consorts and children

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Concubine/Spouse

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Position Name Father Issue
Concubine Kuro-hime (黒媛)[20] Katsuragi no Ashita no Sukune[20]  • Prince Ichinobe no Oshiwa (磐坂市辺押磐皇子)[21][22]
 • Prince Mima [ja] (御馬皇子)[21][22]
 • Princess Aomi no Himemiko (青海皇女)[21][22][e]
Empress
(Kōgō) 		Kusakanohatabino-hime (草香幡梭皇女)[21] Emperor Ōjin  • Princess Nakashi no Hime (中磯皇女)[24]

Issue

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Status Name Mother Comments
First Son (Prince) Ichinobe no Oshiwa (磐坂市辺押磐皇子)[21][22] Kuro-hime (黒媛)[21] Ichinobe was the father of Emperor Kenzō and Emperor Ninken, he allegedly died sometime in 456 AD[f]
Prince Mima no Miko [ja] (御馬皇子)[21][22] Kuro-hime (黒媛)[21] Prince Mima allegedly died sometime in 456 AD[f]
Princess Aomi no Himemiko (青海皇女)[21][22] Kuro-hime (黒媛)[21] Aomi's (aka Iitoyo's[e]) lifespan was allegedly between 441 and 484 AD[f]
Princess Nakashi no Hime (中磯皇女)[24] Kusakanohatabino (草香幡梭皇女)[24] Nakashi was married to Prince Ookusaka[g] and then later to Emperor Ankō.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ According to the Nihon Shoki, Emperor Richū lived to the age of 70. While the Kojiki says he lived to the age of 64, this number is likely inaccurate.[4][5]
  2. ^ The Kiki has no mentions of diplomatic relations with China during this time.
  3. ^ The 29th Emperor[8][18]
  4. ^ Kanmu was the 50th sovereign of the imperial dynasty
  5. ^ a b Aomi no Himemiko is also referred to as "Empress (Regnant) Iitoyo" (飯豊天皇 Iitoyo-tennō) in the Fusō Ryakuki and the Honchō Kōin Jōun-roku [ja], a 12th-century and a 15th-century history respectively.[23]
  6. ^ a b c The dates given here are not confirmed.
  7. ^ Ookusaka was one of Emperor Nintoku's sons

References

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Japanese Imperial kamon — a stylized chrysanthemum blossom
  1. ^ "Genealogy of the Emperors of Japan" (PDF). Kunaicho.go.jp. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 22, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Kenneth Henshall (2013). Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945. Scarecrow Press. p. 488. ISBN 9780810878723.
  3. ^ Louis Frédéric (2002). Index. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. p. 788. ISBN 9780674017535. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m William George Aston (1896). "Boox XII - The Emperor Iza-Ho-Wake, (Richu Tenno)". Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. (Volume 1). London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner. pp. 301–310.
  5. ^ a b c Basil Hall Chamberlain (1882). "Sect. CXXXV — Emperor Ri-chu (Part V.— His Age and Place of Burial)". A translation of the "Kojiki" or Records of ancient matters. R. Meiklejohn and Co.
  6. ^ a b Ponsonby-Fane, Richard (1915). Table of Emperors Mothers. Ponsonby Memorial Society. p. xiii. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "応神天皇 (17)". Imperial Household Agency (Kunaichō) (in Japanese). Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Titsingh, Isaac. (1834). Nihon Ōdai Ichiran (in French). Royal Asiatic Society, Oriental Translation Fund of Great Britain and Ireland. pp. 24–25.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ponsonby-Fane, Richard (1915). Richu (400–405). Ponsonby Memorial Society. pp. 10–11. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  10. ^ a b Brown, Delmer M. and Ichirō Ishida (1979). Emperor Richū. University of California Press. p. 257. ISBN 9780520034600. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Francis Brinkley (1915). Chapter XII: The Protohistoric Sovereigns. Encyclopædia Britannica. pp. 108–110. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Kelly, Charles F. "Kofun Culture". www.t-net.ne.jp. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  13. ^ James Murdoch (1926). Old Yamoto. Greenberg. p. 81. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Joshua Frydman (2022). From myth to History. Thames and Hudson Limited. ISBN 978-0-500-77734-3. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  15. ^ Yoshinori Yasumoto (1981). The Mystery of the Five Kings of Wa. Kodansha. pp. 24–25. ISBN 4061456377.
  16. ^ Brinkley, Frank (1915). A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the end of the Meiji Era. Encyclopaedia Britannica Company. p. 21. Posthumous names for the earthly Mikados were invented in the reign of Emperor Kanmu (782–805), i.e., after the date of the compilation of the Records and the Chronicles.
  17. ^ a b Aston, William George. (1896). Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, Volume 2. The Japan Society London. p. 109 & 217–223. ISBN 9780524053478.
  18. ^ Brown, Delmer M. and Ichirō Ishida (1979). A Translation and Study of the Gukanshō, an Interpretative History of Japan Written in 1219. University of California Press. pp. 248, 261–262. ISBN 9780520034600.
  19. ^ Hoye, Timothy. (1999). Japanese Politics: Fixed and Floating Worlds. Prentice Hall. p. 78. ISBN 9780132712897. According to legend, the first Japanese Emperor was Jimmu. Along with the next 13 Emperors, Jimmu is not considered an actual, historical figure. Historically verifiable Emperors of Japan date from the early sixth century with Kimmei.
  20. ^ a b Basil Hall Chamberlain (1882). "Sect. CXXXI - Emperor Richū (Part I - Genealogies)". A translation of the "Kojiki" or Records of ancient matters. R. Meiklejohn and Co.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j William George Aston (1896). "Boox XII - The Emperor Iza-Ho-Wake, (Richu Tenno) (Children)". Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. (Volume 1). London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner. p. 306.
  22. ^ a b c d e f "Genealogy". Reichsarchiv (in Japanese). 30 April 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  23. ^ Kenkichi Katō (2001). "Iitoyo-ao no Ōjo" 飯豊青皇女. Encyclopedia Nipponica (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  24. ^ a b c Hiromichi Mayuzumi (1968). "On the Genealogy of Emperor Keitai: A Study of the Illustrated Documents of the Chronicles of the Emperor Keitai". Gakushuin History (Gakushuin University Historical Society). pp. 1–14. ISSN 0286-1658. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022.

Further reading

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[edit]
Regnal titles
Preceded by Emperor of Japan:
Richū
400–405
(traditional dates) 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Emperor_Richū&oldid=1260322234"