# Emperor Sutoku

> Emperor of Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q349287](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q349287)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Sutoku)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emperor-sutoku

## Summary
Emperor Sutoku was the 75th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the mid-12th century. He is most notably associated with the Hōgen Rebellion, a pivotal civil conflict in 1156 that reshaped the political dynamics of the imperial court and the emerging warrior class.

## Biography
- Born: Date and place not specified in available sources
- Nationality: Japan
- Education: Not documented
- Known for: Reigning as Emperor of Japan during the Hōgen Rebellion
- Employer(s): Imperial court of Japan
- Field(s): Monarchy, historical leadership

## Contributions
Emperor Sutoku’s reign is most significantly marked by his involvement in the Hōgen Rebellion (1156), a brief but consequential civil war that highlighted tensions between rival factions of the imperial family and the rising influence of the warrior class (samurai). Although he did not author or publish any known works, his reign symbolizes a transitional period in Japanese history where imperial authority began to yield to military governance.

## FAQs
### Who was Emperor Sutoku?
Emperor Sutoku was the 75th ruler of Japan, occupying the throne during a time of political upheaval in the 12th century.

### What is the Hōgen Rebellion, and how is it connected to Emperor Sutoku?
The Hōgen Rebellion (1156) was a civil conflict during his reign, involving rival factions of the imperial family and leading to increased military influence in Japanese politics.

### Is there anything named after Emperor Sutoku?
Yes, the asteroid 4767 Sutoku is named in his honor, reflecting his historical significance beyond his reign.

### What country was Emperor Sutoku from?
He was from Japan, an island country in East Asia with a documented history involving imperial reigns dating back to 660 BCE.

### What is Emperor Sutoku's legacy?
His legacy is tied to the political instability of his era, particularly the Hōgen Rebellion, which marked a turning point in the balance of power between the imperial court and the emerging samurai class.

## Why They Matter
Emperor Sutoku's reign is a key reference point in the study of Japanese imperial history, particularly due to the Hōgen Rebellion. This conflict is seen as a catalyst for the eventual rise of the shogunal system, where military leaders (shoguns) began to wield real power, overshadowing the imperial court. His era is studied for its role in the transition from classical to feudal Japan, making it a foundational period for understanding the long-term evolution of Japanese political structure.

## Notable For
- Being the 75th Emperor of Japan
- Reigning during the Hōgen Rebellion of 1156
- Having an asteroid, 4767 Sutoku, named in his honor
- Representing a pivotal shift in Japanese governance from imperial to military control

## Body
### Early Life and Accession
Details about Emperor Sutoku's early life, including his birth date and place, are not provided in the source material. He became the 75th Emperor of Japan, ruling during a period of increasing tension between rival imperial factions and the emerging military class.

### Reign and Political Context
Emperor Sutoku's reign is most remembered for the Hōgen Rebellion in 1156. This conflict was a brief but significant civil war that occurred within the imperial family and involved the capital's military forces. The rebellion ended in defeat for Sutoku's faction, leading to his exile and the strengthening of the military's role in national politics.

### The Hōgen Rebellion
The Hōgen Rebellion was a turning point in Japanese history. It pitted the forces loyal to Emperor Sutoku and his father, the retired Emperor Toba, against those supporting Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The conflict was short-lived but had lasting consequences, establishing a precedent for military intervention in imperial politics and setting the stage for the rise of the Taira and Minamoto clans.

### Exile and Legacy
Following the defeat of his faction in the rebellion, Emperor Sutoku was exiled, which effectively ended his direct political influence. His fate underscores the fragility of imperial power during this era and the growing dominance of the warrior class.

### Cultural and Historical Recognition
Though he did not author works or establish institutions, his name was posthumously commemorated in the naming of the asteroid 4767 Sutoku, linking his historical identity with modern astronomical nomenclature.

### Historical Context in Japan
Emperor Sutoku's life and reign are part of the broader narrative of Japanese emperors, as documented in the "list of Emperors of Japan." His story is situated within the context of a nation transitioning from a centralized imperial system to a feudal structure dominated by military clans.

### Connection to Japan's Political Evolution
His reign is often studied in the context of the inception of Japan's warrior governance, which eventually led to the Kamakura shogunate. This makes his era a critical point of reference for understanding the long-term shift in Japanese political dynamics.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.city.sakaide.lg.jp/soshiki/bunkashinkou/sutokujyoukou.html)
2. Japan Search
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q508100)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013