Emperor Tenji of Japan - Definition and Overview

Tomb of Emperor Tenji, Kyoto

Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) (626-672), also known as Tenchi, was the 38th imperial ruler of Japan. He was the son of Emperor Jomei but was preceded as ruler by his cousin Empress Saimei. Tenji ruled from 661 to 672. Following his death, he was succeeded by numerous of relatives, including a son, two daughters, a brother, and various nephews and nieces. Almost one hundred years after Tenji's death, the throne passed to his grandson Emperor Kōnin, who was the ancestor of all the subsequent Japanese monarchs.