Emperor Kōmyō (光明天皇) (January 11, 1322 - July 26, 1380) was the second of the Ashikaga Pretenders, although he was actually the first to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu. He claimed the throne from September 20, 1336 to November 18, 1348. His personal name was Yutahito (豊仁).

Genealogy

Second son of Emperor Go-Fushimi. His mother was ?? (寧子), the daughter of Saionji Kinhira (西園寺公衡)

Life

Ashikaga Takauji, rebelling against Emperor Go-Daigo's Kemmu Restoration. When Takauji 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.

On November 18, 1348, he abdicated to the eldest son of his older brother, the former claimant to the throne Kōgon, who became the Northern Pretender Sukō.

In 1352, taking advantage of the Kan'ō Disturbance, a family feud in the Ashikaga clan, the Southern Emperor Go-Murakami entered Kyoto, capturing it and carrying away Kōmyō along with Kōgon and Sukō and the Crown Prince.

In the Shōhei Reunification, Kōmyō and his companions were placed under house arrest in Yamato Province, in what is today the village of Nishiyoshino, Yoshino District, Nara. In 1355, returning to Kyōto, he entered a monastary. He died July 26, 1380.

Eras of his reign

(Northern)

• Kemmu (continued)
• Ryakuō
• Kōei
• Jōwa

(Southern)

• Engen
• Kōkoku
• Shōhei

Southern Court Rivals

• Go-Daigo
• Go-Murakami