About Genbō
Lived 650 – 746 (aged 95–96). Genbō was a Japanese buddhist monk.
was a Japanese scholar-monk and bureaucrat of the Imperial Court at Nara. He is best known as a leader of the Hossō sect of Buddhism and as the adversary of Fujiwara no Hirotsugu.
Career In 717–718, Genbō was part of the Japanese mission to Tang China (Kentōshi) along with Kibi no Makibi, Abe no Nakamaro. Later Bodhisena also joined as their companion. Genbō stayed in China for 17 years. Genbō brought many esoteric Buddhist texts with him when he returned to Japan.
At Kōfuku-ji, he was appointed abbot (sōjō) by Emperor Shōmu. As a result, Hirotsugu initiates a futile military campaign in the 9th month of the same year. 745 (Tenpyō 17): Genbō was exiled to Dazaifu on the island of Kyushu.
At the time of Genbō's death, it was popularly believed that he was killed by the vengeful spirit of Hirotsugu.
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Important facts
People in Genbō's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Genbō's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Genbō?
Japanese Buddhist monk
When was Genbō born?
Genbō was born in 650.
When did Genbō die?
Genbō died on 15 July 746 in Kanzeon-ji Temple.
What was Genbō's occupation?
Genbō was a buddhist monk.
What nationality was Genbō?
Genbō was Japanese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Genbō. https://biography.guide/genbo/
MLA: "Genbō." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/genbo/.
Chicago: "Genbō." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/genbo/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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