Emperor Kinmei

Reign: 539 – 571
Life: 509–571

Most historians support either the view that Kinmei is the first historically verifiable Japanese emperor or the view that Yuryaku (the 21st) is. Rather, it was presumably Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi ( 治天下大王 ) , meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven". Before he came to the throne (at least according to the Nihon Shoki ) he was hesitant and refused to wield power stating: I am young in years, and of shallow knowledge. Though some regard this event as the official introduction of Buddhism to Japan, texts such as the Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu indicate Buddhism may have been introduced as early as 538.

During Emperor Kinmei's reign, Justinian I ruled Rome, Pope Vigilius ruled Papacy, and Emperor Wen of Western Wei ruled China.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Kinmei

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