Jinshin War

A succession conflict in Japan in 672 in which Prince Ōama defeated Prince Ōtomo and became Emperor Tenmu, reshaping the imperial succession.

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Emperor Tenji: The 38th emperor of Japan, who ruled from 661 until his death in 672. His death left the succession contested between his son Ōtomo and brother Ōama.
Yamato Province: A historical province in central Japan, centered on the region of modern Nara Prefecture. Ōama gathered support and advanced through this political heartland.
Emperor Tenmu: The 40th emperor of Japan, who ruled from 673 until his death in 686. Ōama’s victory made Tenmu the ruler who consolidated the winners’ political order.
Battle of Setabashi: A battle fought during the Jinshin War at a bridge in Mino Province. Ōama’s forces won a decisive engagement on the approach toward Ōmi.
Hōgen Rebellion: A civil conflict in Japan in 1156 involving rival claims to imperial and political authority. It was another succession-centered war, fought under a very different medieval power structure.
Prince Ōtomo: A son of Emperor Tenji who briefly held power in 672 before losing the succession conflict. Tenji’s designated successor became Ōama’s principal rival.
Mino Province: A historical province in central Japan, covering much of modern Gifu Prefecture. Its forces and strategic location helped Ōama organize his campaign east of the capital.
Asuka Kiyomihara Code: A body of administrative and legal provisions promulgated during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. Tenmu’s postwar government strengthened centralized court administration.
Ōmi Palace: The imperial palace established by Emperor Tenji at Ōtsu, near Lake Biwa. Its capture marked the collapse of Ōtomo’s court and military resistance.
Heiji Rebellion: A brief civil conflict in Japan in 1160 between rival political factions at the imperial court. Its court-centered violence contrasts with the broad regional mobilization of 672.