Emperor Saga

Emperor Saga (786–842) was Japan's 52nd emperor, reigning 809–823. A son of Emperor Kanmu, he succeeded his brother Heizei and in 810 defeated the retired emperor's bid to reclaim the throne in the Kusuko Incident. He founded the kurōdo-dokoro and kebiishi police.

His peaceful reign saw Tang-style culture flower: he was one of the early Heian age's three great calligraphers, and from 814 gave many children the surname Minamoto, originating the Saga Genji. He abdicated in 823 for Emperor Junna.