Emperor Keikō

Emperor of Japan

Ōtarashihiko 13 BC

130 (aged 143)

Posthumous nameJapanese style: Ōtarashihiko-oshirowake no Sumeramikoto (大足彦忍代別天皇 ), also Ōtarashihiko-oshirowake no Mikoto (大帯日子淤斯呂和氣天皇 ) Chinese style: Emperor Keikō (景行天皇 )

Emperor of Japan Emperor Keikō 景行天皇 Emperor of JapanReign71–130 AD (traditional)PredecessorSuininSuccessorSeimuBornŌtarashihiko (大足彦尊 ) 13 BCDied130 (aged 143)BurialYamanobe no michi no e no misasagi (山辺道上陵 ) (Nara)Spouse Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume Yasakairihime-no-Mikoto (among others) IssueSee belowHouseImperial House of JapanFatherEmperor SuininMotherHibasu-himeReligionShinto Emperor Keikō (景行天皇 , Keikō-tennō) , also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto (大足彦忍代別天皇 ) was the 12th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Keikō's alleged lifetime. Keikō was recorded as being an exceptionally tall emperor who had a very large family. During his reign he sought to expand territorial control through conquest of local tribes. He had a very important son named "Prince Ōsu" (Yamato Takeru), who was in possession of the Kusanagi when he died. This treasure was later moved to Atsuta Shrine, and is now a part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. There is a possibility that Keikō actually lived or reigned in the 4th century AD rather than the 1st, but more information is needed to confirm this view. Keikō's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 71 to 130 AD. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered at least 80 children with two chief wives (empress) and nine consorts. One of his sons became the next emperor upon his death in 130 AD, but the location of Keikō's grave (if any) is unknown. Keikō is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb (misasagi) at Nara.