Emperor Kanmu

, also written as Kammu, was the 50th emperor of Japan,Imperial Household Agency (Kunaichō), 桓武天皇 (50); retrieved 2011-10-20. according to the traditional order of succession.Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial House of Japan, pp. 61–62.  His reign started in 781 and ended in 806.

Kanmu was the first monarch of the Heian period of the history of Japan.

Traditional history
Before he became the monarch, this prince's personal name (imina) was .

Prince Yamabe was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe (later known as Emperor Kōnin). According to the , Yamabe's mother was a descendant of King Muryeong of Baekje.Watts, Jonathan.   "The emperor's new roots: The Japanese emperor has finally laid to rest rumors that he has Korean blood, by admitting that it is true," The Guardian (London). 28 December 2001; retrieved 2011-10-20.

Kanmu had 16 empresses and consorts, and 32 imperial sons and daughters. Among his sons were Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Emperor Junna.

Events of Kanmu's life
Before he became the monarch, he was the Crown Prince for eight years.

During his reign, Kanmu tried to simplify the hierarchy and the functions of his government.

The capital of Japan was moved from Nara (Heijō-kyō) to Nagaoka (Nagaoka-kyō) in 784.  The capital would be moved again in 794 to Kyoto (Heian-kyō).

Kanmu named Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758-811) to lead a military expedition against the Emishi.

Timeline
 737 (Tenpyō 9): Prince Yamabe was born.
 773 (Hōki 4): Yamabe received the title of Crown Prince.
 30 April 781 (Ten'ō 1, 3rd day of the 4th month): In the 11th year of Emperor Kōnin's reign, he abdicated. The succession (senso) was received by his son.  Soon after, Emperor Kanmu accepted the monarch's role and duties and powers (sokui).  This was confirmed in ceremonies.Varley, p. 44; a distinct act of senso is unrecognized prior to Emperor Tenji; and all sovereigns except Jitō, Yōzei, Go-Toba, and Fushimi have senso and sokui in the same year until the reign of Emperor Go-Murakami. Compare Imperial Household Agency (Kunaichō),  Ceremony of Accession (Sokui-no-Rei); retrieved 2011-12-23.
 794 (Enryaku 13): When the capital was moved to Kyoto, the emperor's new home was named .
 17 November 794 (Enryaku 13, 21st day of the 10th month): The emperor traveled by carriage to the new capital.  He moved in a grand parade.  This marks the beginning of the Heian period in Japanese history.
 806 (Enryaku 25): Kammu died at the age of 70.Varley, p. 150.

After his death
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the mausoleum  (misasagi) of Kammu is in Kyoto.  The emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine at this location.

Eras of reign
The years of Kammu's reign are identified by more than one era name (nengō).
 Ten'ō (781–82)
 Enryaku (782–806)

 Related pages
 Emperor of Japan
 List of emperors of Japan
 Japanese imperial family tree
 Kammu Seamount

References

 Other websites 

Category:Emperors of Japan
Category:737 births
Category:806 deaths