Emperor Go-Sai of Japan (b. 1638)

Stepping onto the Chrysanthemum Throne as the 111th emperor of Japan, according to the time-honored traditional order of succession, was Emperor Go-Sai (後西天皇, Go-Sai-tennō). Born on January 1, 1638, he would rule through a fascinating, albeit relatively brief, period in the 17th century before his passing on March 22, 1685. His reign officially spanned the years from 1655 to 1663, marking him as a sovereign who held the reins of power during a formative era in Japanese history.

Interestingly, Emperor Go-Sai was also known by an alternative name, Emperor Go-Saiin (後西院天皇, Go-Saiin-tennō). The story behind his various appellations offers a glimpse into the rich tradition of imperial naming and the historical context of his time. He was, in essence, named in homage to the 9th-century Emperor Junna. The prefix "go-" (後), which often translates to "later" or "second" in Japanese imperial naming conventions, meant he could effectively be referred to as the "Later Emperor Junna" or "Junna II." This practice underscored a continuity of imperial lineage and respect for predecessors.

However, the additional name, Go-Saiin, carries a deeper significance tied to a challenge Emperor Go-Sai faced: he was unable to pass the throne directly onto his own descendants. This situation mirrored difficulties encountered by Emperor Junna, who had also grappled with and ultimately found an accommodation for similar issues regarding succession. Thus, by adopting "Go-Saiin"—an alternate name of Emperor Junna—Emperor Go-Sai implicitly acknowledged this shared historical dilemma. He was also known colloquially as the "Emperor of the Western Palace" (西院の帝, Saiin no mikado), adding another layer to his imperial identity. It’s worth noting that during the Meiji era, a period of significant modernization and standardization, his name was simplified to just Go-Sai, solidifying the form most commonly recognized today.

FAQs About Emperor Go-Sai

Who was Emperor Go-Sai?

Emperor Go-Sai (後西天皇, Go-Sai-tennō) was the 111th emperor of Japan, reigning in the 17th century according to the traditional order of succession.

When did Emperor Go-Sai live and reign?

He was born on January 1, 1638, and passed away on March 22, 1685. His imperial reign lasted from 1655 through 1663.

Why was he also known as Emperor Go-Saiin?

He was known as Emperor Go-Saiin because he could not pass the throne to his descendants, a situation similar to that faced by the earlier Emperor Junna, whose alternate name was also Go-Saiin.

What is the meaning behind his names?

The name Go-Sai was derived from the 9th-century Emperor Junna, with "go-" (後) meaning "later" or "second," effectively making him "Later Emperor Junna" or "Junna II." He was also called "Emperor of the Western Palace" (西院の帝, Saiin no mikado).