Emperor Temmu (天武天皇) was the 40th imperial ruler of Japan. He ruled from 672 until his death in 686. He was succeeded by Jito, who was both his niece and his wife.
In 671 Temmu felt himself to be in danger and volunteered to resign the office of crown prince to become a monk.
Temmu assembled an army and marched from Yoshino to the east, to attack OmikyÅ in a counterclockwise movement.
It seems clear, however, that Temmu strengthened the power of the emperor and appointed his sons to the highest offices of his government, reducing the traditional influence of powerful clans such as the Åtomo and Soga.
The tomb of Emperor Temmu is a good place for reflections on the transience of life: 'Thus the mighty have come to nothing.' It sounds like a hackneyed phrase, but in this case it is very appropriate, too.
Temmu was the first Japanese emperor to call himself a 'living god,' and had court poets such as Hitomaro sing his praises in a most lavish way.
Temmu, the 'child of the high-shining Sun,' 'who was destined to rule the land for ten-thousand generations' was literally glorified into heaven.
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