Emperor Shijō

(17 March 1231 – 10 February 1242) was the 87th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years 1232 through 1242.

Life Emperor Shijō was born to Emperor Go-Horikawa and his wife Kujō Shunshi as Prince Mitsuhito.

He succeeded to the throne shortly before his father's death, and since his father died shortly after, a relative named became head of the court in the emperor's minority, while Kujō Michiie and Saionji Kintsune helped carry out the affairs of state. Additionally his aunt, Princess Rishi, became his honorary mother.

In 1241 was appointed as his consort.

Shijō was known to be mischievous and often played pranks. One day, Shijō had talc spread all across the floors in the hopes that a court lady would trip on it and fall.

Subsequent succession crisis His death ultimately led to the .

Kujō Michiie supported the ascension of , son of Emperor Juntoku, to the throne. On the other hand, court noble supported Prince Kunihito, son of Emperor Tsuchimikado, to the throne.

The court nobles originally opposed Kunihito, but Saionji Kintsune took advantage and had him enthroned in the house of the brother of Shijō Sadako (Sadako being his daughter in-law).

Eras of Shijō's reign The years of Shijō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō. Jōei (1232–1234) Tenpuku (1233–1234) Bunryaku (1234–1235) Katei (1235–1238) Ryakunin (1238–1239) En'ō (1239–1240) Ninji (1240–1243)