Home > Emperor Sakuramachi of Japan

1 Geneology

He was the firstborn son of Emperor Nakamikado. He had three children by two women:

• Court lady Nijo ?? (二条舎子)
  • First daughter: Princess Moriko (?) (盛子内親王)
  • Second daughter: Princess Toshiko (智子内親王) ( Empress Go-Sakuramachi)
• Lady-in-waiting Anekoji Sadako (?) (姉小路定子)
  • First son: Prince Toohito (遐仁親王) ( Emperor Momozono)

2 Life

In 1728, he became Crown Prince. In 1734, he became Emperor upon the abdication of his father, Emperor Nakamikado. In 1747, he abdicated in favor of Emperor Momozono. In 1750, he died at the age of 31.

He was said to be the reincarnation of Prince Shotoku. With the support of Tokugawa Yoshimune, he worked for the restoration of Imperial rites, bringing back the Daijosai (大嘗祭, the first ceremonial rice-offering by a newly-enthroned Emperor) and the Shinjosai (新嘗祭, a ceremonial rice-offering by the Emperor) among others, and concentrated on restoring other courtesies. Also, it's said that his tanka excelled.

3 Eras of his reign

• Kyoho
• GembunGembun was a Japanese era after Kyoho and before Kampo and spanned from 1736 to 1741. The reigning emperor was Sakuramachi. Change of Era To mark the enthronement of Sakuramachi, on the 21st day of the 4th month of Kyoho 21 (1736), the era was changed to
• KampoKampo was a Japanese era after Gembun and before Enkyo and spanned from 1741 to 1744. The reigning emperor was Sakuramachi. Change of Era Based on the belief in Chinese astrology that the 58th year of the sexagenary cycle brings changes, on the 27th day o
• EnkyoEnkyo was a Japanese era after Kampo and before Kan'en and spanned from 1744 to 1748. Reigning emperors were Sakuramachi and Momozono. Change of Era To mark the start of a new 60-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, on the 21st day of the 2nd month of Kampo