Emperor Jomei

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Emperor Jomei (舒明天皇 Jomei Tennō) (593- November 17, 641^[1]) was the 34th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His birth name was Prince Tamura. He was a grandson of Emperor Bidatsu both paternally and maternally. His father was Prince Oshisakahikohitonooe, his mother was Princess Nukatehime, who was a younger sister of his father.

He succeeded his great aunt, Empress Suiko, and ruled from February 2, 629^[2] to November 17, 641.^[1] Suiko did not make it clear who was to succeed her after her death. Before her death, she called Tamura and another prince, Prince Yamasironooe, who was the elder son of Prince Shotoku, and gave some brief advice to each of them. After her death the court was divided into two factions, each supporting one of the princes for the throne. Soga no Emishi, the head of Soga clan, supported Tamura. He stated the last words of the Empress Suiko suggested her will had been on Tamura. Yamashironooe was later attacked by the Soga clan and committed suicide along with his entire family.

During his reign, Soga no Emishi seized several political initiatives. After his death, the throne was passed to his two cousins, that is, his wife Princess Takara and her younger brother, before eventually being inherited by two of Jomei's sons, Emperor Tenji and Emperor Temmu.

[edit] Notes

^ ^a ^b November 17, 641 corresponds to the Ninth Day of the Tenth Month of 641 (shinchū) of the traditional lunisolar calendar used in Japan until 1873.
^ February 2, 629 corresponds to the Fourth Day of the First Month of 629 (kichū).