Japan: Emperor Shomu was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. (r. notionally 724-749). 13th century painting

Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇 Shōmu-tennō, 701 – June 4, 756) was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 749.

Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name is not clearly known, but he was known as Oshi-hiraki Toyosakura-hiko-no-mikoto. Shōmu was the son of Emperor Mommu and Fujiwara no Miyako, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito.

Shōmu was still a child at the time of his father's death; thus, Empresses Gemmei and Gensho occupied the throne before he acceded.

Shōmu is known as the first emperor whose consort was not born into the imperial household. His consort Kōmyō was a non-royal Fujiwara commoner. A ritsuryo office was created for the queen-consort, the Kogogushiki; and this bureaucratic innovation continued into the Heian period.

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Pictures From History

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JAPANESE EMPERORS