Emperor Tenji

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Emperor Tenji (天智天皇 Tenji Tennō also Tenchi Tennō) (626-672), also known as Prince Naka no Ōe (中大兄皇子, Naka no Ōe no Ōji) and Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He was the son of Emperor Jomei, but was preceded as ruler by his mother Empress Saimei.

As prince, Naka no Ōe played a crucial role in ending the near-total control the Soga clan had over the imperial family. In 644, seeing the Soga continue to gain power, he conspired with Nakatomi no Kamatari and Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawa no Maro to assassinate Soga no Iruka in what has come to be known as the Isshi Incident. Although the assassination did not go exactly as planned, Iruka was killed, and his father and predecessor, Soga no Emishi, committed suicide soon after. Following the Isshi Incident, Iruka's adherents dispersed largely without a fight, and Naka no Ōe was named heir apparent. He also married the daughter of his ally Soga no Kurayamada, thus ensuring that a significant portion of the Soga clan's power was on his side.

Naka no Ōe reigned as Emperor Tenji from 661 to 672. In 662, he compiled the first Japanese legal code known to modern historians.

Following his death in 672, there ensued a succession dispute between his fourteen children (many by different mothers). In the end, he was succeeded by his son, Prince Otomo, also known as Emperor Kobun, then by Tenji's brother Prince Oama, also known as Emperor Temmu. Almost one hundred years after Tenji's death, the throne passed to his grandson Emperor Kōnin.

One of his 31-syllable poems was chosen by Fujiwara no Teika as the first in the very popular anthology Hyakunin Isshu.

Preceded by Empress Saimei

Emperor of Japan 661-672

Succeeded by Emperor Kōbun