Background
Second son of Emperor Go-Fushimi. His mother was Neishi (寧子), the daughter of Saionji Kinhira (西園寺公衡).
光明天皇
Second son of Emperor Go-Fushimi. His mother was Neishi (寧子), the daughter of Saionji Kinhira (西園寺公衡).
According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1336 through 1348. His personal name was Yutahito (豊仁). In his own lifetime, Kōmyō and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from September 20, 1336 to November 18, 1348.
When Ashikaga Takauji, rebelling against Emperor Go-Daigo"s Kemmu Restoration, entered Kyōto in 1336, Go-Daigo fled to Enryakuji on Mount Hiei.
Despite lacking the sacred treasures, Prince Yutahito was enthroned as emperor, beginning the Northern Court. On the 12th day, 21st day, Go-Daigo escaped to Yoshino, founding the Southern Court.
In April 1352, taking advantage of the Kan"ō Disturbance, a family feud in the Ashikaga clan, the Southern Emperor Emperor Go-Murakami entered Kyoto, capturing it and carrying away Kōmyō along with Emperor Kōgon and Emperor Sukō and the Crown Prince Tadahito. They all ended up finally in Anau, the location of the Southern Court.
In 1355, returning to Kyōto, he entered a monastery.
July 26, 1380 (Kōryaku 2, 24th day of the 6th month): The former emperor died at age 60. The years of Kōmyō"s reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō. Nanboku-chō Northern court
Eras as reckoned by pretender Court (as determined by Meiji rescript)
Kemmu (continued)
Ryakuō
Kōei
Jōwa
Nanboku-chō Southern court
Eras as reckoned by legitimate Court (as determined by Meiji rescript)
Engen
Kōkoku
Shōhei
Emperor Go-Daigo
Emperor Go-Murakami.
