Emperor Sukō (崇光天皇) (May 25, 1334 - January 31, 1398) was the third of Ashikaga Pretenders during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts. He claimed the throne from November 18, 1348 until November 26, 1351. His personal name was originally Masuhito (益仁), but was later changed to Okihito (興仁)

Genealogy

His father was the Northern Pretender Kōgon. His predecessor, Kōmyō was his uncle, the younger brother of Kōgon.

• Lady-in-waiting: Niwata (Minamoto) Motoko (?) (庭田（源）資子)
  • First son: Imperial Prince Fushimi-no-miya Yoshihito (伏見宮栄仁親王) (First Fushimi-no-miya)
  • Second son: Prince Okinobu (興信法親王) (Buddhist Priest)
• Court Lady: Lady Yasukuku-dono (安福殿女御)
• Consort: Sanjō ?? (三条局)
  • First daughter: ?? (瑞室)
  • Third son: Prince Kōsuke ? (弘助法親王) (Buddhist Priest)

Life

In 1348, he became Crown Prince. In the same year, he became Northern Emperor upon the abdication of Kōmyō. Although Kōgon ruled as cloistered Emperor, the rivalry between Ashikaga Takauji and Ashikaga Tadayoshi began, and in 1351, Takauji returned to the allegiance of the Southern Court, forcing Sukō to abdicate. This was intended to reunify the Imperial Line. However, the peace soon fell apart, and in 1352, the Southern Dynasty evacuated Kyoto, bringing with them Retired (Northern) Emperors Kōgon and Kōmyō as well as Sukō and the Crown Prince, Imperial Prince Naohito, the son of Kōgon. Because of this, Takauji made Kōgon's second son Imperial Prince Iyahito Emperor (First Fushimi-no-miya).

Returning to Kyoto in 1357, Sukō's son Imperial Prince Yoshihito began to work with the Bakufu to be named Crown Prince, but the Bakufu instead decided to make Go-Kōgon's son (the future Go-En'yū) Crown Prince instead.

In 1398, Sukō died. But, 30 years after his death, in 1428, his great-grandson Hikohito (彦仁), as the adopted son of Emperor Go-Komatsu, became Emperor Go-Hanazono, fulfilling Sukō's dearest wish.

Eras during his reign

(Northern)

• Jōwa
• Kan'ō or Kannō

(Southern)

• Shōhei

Southern Court Rivals

• Go-Murakami