Ōjin

emperor of Japan
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ojin
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: Ōjin Tennō, Homudawage no Mikoto, Hondawake no Mikoto
Quick Facts
In full:
Ōjin Tennō
Personal name:
Hondawake No Mikoto
Flourished:
5th century ad
Also Known As:
Hondawake no Mikoto
Homudawage no Mikoto
Ōjin Tennō
Flourished:
401 - 500
Notable Family Members:
mother Jingū

Ōjin (flourished 5th century ad) was a semilegendary 15th emperor of Japan, who according to tradition flourished in the 3rd–4th century. Ōjin is believed to have consolidated imperial power, spearheaded land reform, and actively promoted cultural exchanges with Korea and China. It is said that highly skilled weaving techniques were brought from Korea during his reign. Chinese scholars introduced Confucianism and the Chinese writing system into the country, thus marking the beginning of Japanese cultural growth.

Ōjin’s mausoleum, at Habikino, near Ōsaka, is the second largest in Japan and is noted for its splendour and historical value. Ōjin was deified as Hachiman, god of war.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.