Emperor Ichijō

Emperor Ichijō (980–1011), personal name Kanehito, was the only son of Emperor En'yū and the sixty-sixth sovereign of Japan. He ascended in 986 at age six after Emperor Kazan's abdication, with Fujiwara regents ruling until Michinaga held power from 995 through the office of nairan.

His reign marked the apex of Fujiwara power and Heian court culture: his empresses Teishi and Shōshi kept salons served by Sei Shōnagon and Murasaki Shikibu. A lover of letters and music, he abdicated in 1011 and died days later. His sons Atsunari and Atsunaga both became emperors.