Places, Images, Times & Transformations

Nintoku, Emperor

(first half of the 5th century). The 16th sovereign in the traditional count (which contains several legendary emperors). According to the chronicle Nihon shoki (720), he reigned 313-399, although modern scholars reject these dates. The Nihon shoki and the chronicle Kojiki (712) state that he was the fourth son of Emperor Ōjin. The chronicles describe him as a benevolent ruler. Nintoku is said to have established his capital at Naniwa (now Osaka), then the gateway to trade with the continent. The largest of Japan's keyhole-shaped grave mounds, in the city of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, is said to be his resting place. It has been speculated that Nintoku was one of the "five kings of Wa" mentioned in the Chinese history Song shu (History of the Liu-Song Dynasty [420-479]). (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)

There is currently no content classified with this term.

Subscribe to RSS - Nintoku, Emperor