Emperor Uda

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Emperor Uda (宇多天皇 Uda Tennō) (May 5, 867- July 19, 931) was the 59th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from November 7, 887 to July 3, 897. His birthname was Sadami (定省).

Emperor Uda was the seventh son of Emperor Kōkō by Princess Madarako whose grandfather was Emperor Kammu. His father, Emperor Kōkō, demoted his sons from the rank of imperial royals to that of subjects in order to reduce the state expenses, as well as their political influence. Then Sadami was given the clan name of Minamoto and named Minamoto no Sadami. Later, in 887, when Kōkō needed to appoint his successor, Sadami was once again promoted to the Imperial Prince rank with support of Kampaku (regent) Fujiwara no Mototsune, since Sadami was adopted by a half-sister of Mototsune.

After the death of his father in November of that year, he ascended to the throne.

In the beginning of his reign, Mototsune held the office of Kampaku, serving as regent. After Mototsune's death, Fujiwara no Tokihira and Sugawara no Michizane were in Uda's favor.

Uda founded Ninna-ji Temple and after his abdication made it his residence.

In 897 he abdicated in favor of his eldest son by a Fujiwara woman, Prince Atsuhito.