Emperor Ninkō

Emperor Ninkō (仁孝天皇, Ninkō-tennō, 16 March 1800 – 21 February 1846) was the 120th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.

Ninkō's reign spanned the years from 1817 through 1846.

Genealogy

Before Ninkō's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Ayahito (恵仁).

Ninkō was the fourth son of Emperor Kōkaku.

Ninkō's Imperial family lived with him in the Dairi of the Heian Palace. This family included 7 sons and 8 daughters from various concubines, but only the future Emperor Komei (Komei-tennō), Princess Sumiko (Sumiko-naishinnō) and Princess Chikako (Chikako-hime) survived beyond childhood.

Events of Ninkō's life

He reigned from 31 October 1817 to 21 February 1846.

Ninkō was named as crown prince in 1809, being adopted by the chief wife (chūgū), of his father, the Emperor, Imperial Princess Yoshiko (?, 欣子内親王), also known as Shin-Seiwa-in (?, 新清和院). Ninkō was enthroned as Emperor in 1817 after his father retired from the throne. Following his father the Retired Emperor's wishes, he attempted to revive certain court rituals and practices. For example, Ninkō and all other emperors after his father have been identified as tennō.