Background
Tenno Reizei was born on January 12, 950. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Norihira-shinnō (憲平親王). Norihira-shinno was the second son of Emperor Murakami. His mother, Empress Yasuko, was a daughter of minister of the right Fujiwara no Morosuke.
Soon after his birth he was appointed as crown prince. This decision was supposedly made under the influence of Morosuke and his brother Fujiwara no Saneyori who had seized power in the court.
Career
Questions about mental illness made Norihira-shinnō's succession somewhat problematic. In 967 his father Murakami died and Reizei ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen.
July 5, 967 (Koho 4, 25th day of the 5th month): In the 16th year of Emperor Murakami's reign (村上天皇十六年), he died and the succession ("senso") was received by his second son. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Reizei is said to have acceded to the throne ("sokui").
969 (Anna 2): Reizei abdicated; and he took the honorific title of Reizei-in Joko. His reign lasted for just two years; and he lived another 44 years in retirement.
November 21, 1011 (Kanko 8, 24th day of the 10th month): Daijo-tenno Reizei-in Joko died at age 62.
