Background
Теnno Saga was born on the 10th of October in Kaminokae, Kochi, Japan. He was the second son of Emperor Kammu and his consort, Otomuro Fujiwara. His name was Kaminu.
天皇 嵯峨
Теnno Saga was born on the 10th of October in Kaminokae, Kochi, Japan. He was the second son of Emperor Kammu and his consort, Otomuro Fujiwara. His name was Kaminu.
In 806 Saga became the crown prince at age 21.
On June 17, 809 in the 4th year of Emperor Heizei's reign, he fell ill and abdicated and the succession (senso) was received by Kanmu's second son Saga, the eldest son having become a Buddhist priest. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Saga is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).
Soon after his enthronement, Saga himself took ill. At the time the retired Heizei had quarreled with his brother over the ideal location of the court, the latter preferring the Heian capital, while the former was convinced that a shift back to the Nara plain was necessary, and Heizei, exploiting Saga's weakened health, seized the opportunity to foment a rebellion, known historically as the Kusuko Incident. However, forces loyal to Emperor Saga, led by taishōgun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, quickly defeated the Heizei rebels which thus limited the adverse consequences which would have followed any broader conflict. This same Tamuramaro is remembered in Aomori's annual nebuta or neputa matsuri which feature a number of gigantic, specially-constructed, illuminated paper floats. These great lantern-structures are colorfully painted with mythical figures and teams of men carry them through the streets as crowds shout encouragement. This early ninth century military leader is commemorated in this way because he is said to have ordered huge illuminated lanterns to be placed at the top of hills and when the curious Emishi approached these bright lights to investigate, they were captured and subdued by Tamuramaro's men.
On August 24, 842 Saga died at the age of 57.
In the 9th century, Emperor Saga made a decree prohibiting meat consumption except fish and birds and abolished capital punishment in 818. This remained the dietary habit of Japanese until the introduction of European dietary customs in the 19th century.
Emperor Saga played an important role as a stalwart supporter of the Buddhist monk Kūkai. The emperor helped Kūkai to establish the Shingon School of Buddhism by granting him Tō-ji Temple in the capital Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto).
Saga had 49 children by at least 30 different women. Many of the children received the surname Minamoto, thereby removing them from royal succession.
Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇 ) was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kanmu reigned from 781 to 806.
ujiwara no Otomuro (藤原乙牟漏) was a Japanese noblewoman and Empress consort of Japan.
Tachibana no Kachiko (橘 嘉智子) also known as Empress Danrin (檀林皇后 ) was a Japanese empress, the chief consort of Emperor Saga and the daughter of Tachibana no Kiyotomo (橘 清友).
Minamoto no Tōru, is thought to be an inspiration for the protagonist of the novel The Tale of Genji.
