Emperor Sutoku

Emperor Sutoku was the 75th emperor of Japan, who ruled from 1123 to 1142. He was the eldest son of Emperor Toba, but some sources say he was actually the son of Toba's grandfather, Emperor Shirakawa. He ascended to the throne at the age of three, under the influence of his retired father and grandfather. He abdicated in 1142, after being persuaded by Toba that the retired life was better than being the actual emperor. He adopted Toba's son, Prince Narihito, as his heir, and gave up his power and influence. However, he regretted his decision later, when he realized that Toba had manipulated him and isolated him from the court. He tried to reclaim his status by supporting his own son, Prince Shigehito, as the successor of the childless Emperor Konoe, who died in 1155. This led to a conflict with Toba's fourth son, Prince Morihito, who became Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The dispute escalated into a civil war known as the Hōgen Rebellion, in which Sutoku and his allies fought against Go-Shirakawa and his supporters. The war was decided in a single battle, in which Sutoku's forces were defeated. Sutoku and his allies were executed or exiled by Go-Shirakawa's forces. Sutoku was banished to Sanuki Province, where he shaved his head and became a monk. He devoted himself to copying holy manuscripts, which he sent to Kyoto. However, the court feared that he had cursed them with his blood and hatred, and refused to accept his offerings. Sutoku died in exile in 1164, at the age of 45. He was buried in Shiramine no misasagi, in Kagawa. According to legend, he transformed into a vengeful spirit (onryō) or a great demon (tengu) after his death, and haunted the imperial court for centuries. He is considered one of the three most famous yokai in Japanese history, along with Sugawara no Michizane and Taira no Masakado.