Emperor Kobun

The mausoleum of Emperor Kôbun near Ôtsu City Hall.

• Born: 648
• Died: 672
• Reign: 671-672
• Other Names: 大友皇子 (Ootomo no ouji)
• Japanese: 弘文天皇 (Koubun tennou)

Emperor Kôbun, also known as Prince Ôtomo, was an emperor of the Asuka period who ruled briefly from 671 to 672. He succeeded his father Emperor Tenji to take the throne in 671.

The following year, he was defeated in a succession war known as the Jinshin War by his uncle Prince Ôama (a brother of Emperor Tenji), who then took the throne as Emperor Temmu.

Kôbun died later that same year. His mausoleum near Ôtsu City Hall is the only imperial mausoleum in Shiga prefecture.

Preceded by Emperor Tenji

Emperor of Japan 671-672

Succeeded by Emperor Temmu

References

• David Lu, Sources of Japanese History, New York: McGraw Hill (1973), 36.