Go-Ichijō

was the 68th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.

Go-Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 1016 through 1036.

This 11th century sovereign was named after his father, Emperor Ichijō, and go- (後), translates literally as "later"; thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Ichijō", or, in some older sources, may be identified as "Emperor Ichijō, the second", or even "Emperor Ichijō II".

Biography Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Atsuhira -shinnō (敦成親王). He was also known as Atsunari-shinnō.

Atsuhira was the second son of Emperor Ichijō. His mother, Fujiwara no Akiko/Shōshi (藤原彰子) (988–1074), was a daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. In her later years, Ichijō's chūgo consort was known as Jōtō-mon In (上東門院).

Events of Go-Ichijō's life Atsuhira-shinnō was used as a pawn in Imperial court politics when he was only a child.

1012 (Chōwa 1, 8th month): Prince Atsuhira marries a daughter of sesshō and later kampaku Fujiwara no Michinaga.

Atsuhira became emperor at the age of 8, upon the abdication of his first cousin once removed, Emperor Sanjō.

March 10, 1016 (Chōwa 5, 29th day of the 1st month) : In the 5th year of Emperor Sanjō's reign (三条天皇五年), he abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by a cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Go-Ichijō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’).

During the initial years of Go-Ichijō's reign, Fujiwara no Michinaga actually ruled from his position as sesshō (regent).

June 5, 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th day of the 5th month) : The former-Emperor Sanjō died at the age of 41. 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th month): Michinaga made a pilgrimage to the Iwashimizu Shrine accompanied by many courtiers. The travelers divided themselves amongst 15 boats for a floating trip down the Yotogawa River. One of the vessels overturned, and more than 30 people lost their lives. 1017 (Kannin 1, 12th month): Michinaga was elevated to the office of Daijō-Daijin.

Kugyō is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras. Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted.

In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career. During Go-Ichijō's reign, this apex of the Daijō-kan included: Sesshō, Fujiwara Michinaga, 966–1027. Sesshō, Fujiwara Yorimichi, 992–1074. Kampaku, Fujiwara Yorimichi. Daijō-daijin, Fujiwara Michinaga. Chōwa (1012–1017) Kannin (1017–1021) Jian (1021–1024) Manju (1024–1028) Chōgen (1028–1037)

Consort and children

Go-Ichijō had one Empress and two Imperial daughters.

Empress (Chūgū): Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原威子; 999–1036), Fujiwara no Michinaga’s third daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Akiko/Shōshi (章子内親王) later Nijō-In (二条院), Empress (chūgū) to Emperor Go-Reizei Second Daughter: Imperial Princess Kaoruko/Keishi (馨子内親王; 1029–1093) later Saien-no Kogo (西院皇后), Empress (chūgū) to Emperor Go-Sanjō

Ancestry