Emperor Sakuramachi of Japan (d. 1750)

Emperor Sakuramachi (桜町天皇, Sakuramachi-tennō, 8 February 1720 – 28 May 1750) was the 115th Emperor of Japan, meticulously following the traditional order of succession. Born as Prince Teruhito, he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1735, commencing a significant reign that would extend until his abdication in 1747. This practice of imperial retirement was not uncommon during the Edo period, often allowing for a smoother transition of power and providing the former emperor an opportunity for spiritual contemplation. Emperor Sakuramachi passed away on 28 May 1750, nearly three years after ceding the throne.

Throughout Emperor Sakuramachi's reign, as was the established norm for emperors during the Edo period (1603-1868), the ultimate political and military authority over Japan resided firmly with the Tokugawa shogunate, based in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Consequently, the Emperor's role was largely symbolic and ceremonial, primarily functioning as a revered religious figure who performed essential rituals for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. The Imperial Court, though holding immense spiritual and cultural prestige, possessed limited direct administrative power.

A defining achievement of Emperor Sakuramachi's rule was his successful endeavor to restore several crucial Imperial rites and ceremonies. This was a remarkable feat, as it necessitated obtaining explicit permission from the powerful Tokugawa Shogun, representing a subtle yet significant shift in the balance of influence between the Imperial Court and the bakufu. Among the most prominent ceremonies he managed to revive was the ancient Harvest Festival, known as Niinamesai or Shinjōsai. This vital Shinto ritual, where the Emperor offers the season's first fruits and newly harvested rice to the gods and partakes of them, had regrettably been absent from the Imperial calendar for over 250 years, having fallen into disuse or faced suppression under previous shogunate control. Its revival underscored a renewed emphasis on the Emperor's sacred role as the chief priest of Japan and subtly helped to reassert a degree of Imperial prestige and cultural authority after centuries of political marginalization.

In his personal life, Emperor Sakuramachi had one principal wife, Empress Sadako (also known as Kujō Hisako), and a concubine, Lady-in-waiting Aneko (later Sanjō Ieko). From these relationships, he fathered four children. Two of his children would go on to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne: his first son, Prince Toohito, who succeeded him as Emperor Momozono (reigned 1747-1762), and his second daughter, Princess Toshiko, who later became Empress Go-Sakuramachi (reigned 1762-1771). Empress Go-Sakuramachi holds a unique place in history as one of the very few empresses regnant in Japan and the last woman to rule as Emperor before the modern era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Sakuramachi

Who was Emperor Sakuramachi?
Emperor Sakuramachi (桜町天皇, 1720–1750) was the 115th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1735 to 1747. Born Prince Teruhito, he is noted for his efforts to restore ancient Imperial rites during the Edo period.
What was Emperor Sakuramachi's most notable achievement?
His most significant achievement was the restoration of several key Imperial rites and ceremonies, most notably the Harvest Festival (Niinamesai or Shinjōsai), which had been dormant for over 250 years. This required rare permission from the Tokugawa shogunate and subtly enhanced the Emperor's spiritual prestige.
What was the Emperor's role during the Edo period?
During the Edo period, under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Emperor's role was primarily symbolic and religious. While highly revered, the Emperor held limited political or military power, focusing instead on ceremonial duties and rituals for the nation's well-being.
Who were Emperor Sakuramachi's imperial descendants?
Emperor Sakuramachi was the father of two future Emperors: his son, Emperor Momozono, and his daughter, Empress Go-Sakuramachi. Empress Go-Sakuramachi is particularly notable as the last reigning empress in Japanese history prior to the modern era.