Emperor Sutoku and the Spirits of the Hogen Rebellion
When travelers walk the manicured streets of Kyoto today, admiring the vermilion torii gates and serene Zen gardens, few realize they are treading on ground shaped by one of Japan’s most turbulent historical turning points: the Hogen Rebellion (Hogen no Ran). While this 1156 conflict marked the rise of the samurai class, it also birthed one of the country’s most terrifying legends—the vengeful spirit (onryo) of Emperor Sutoku.
For cultural enthusiasts and history buffs, understanding the Hogen Rebellion is key to unlocking the supernatural folklore that still permeates Japanese shrines and theaters today.
Origins: The Conflict of 1156
The Hogen Rebellion was a short but violent civil war fought in the stifling summer heat of Kyoto in 1156. At its core, it was a succession dispute within the Imperial family and the powerful Fujiwara regent clan, but it ultimately became the stage where the samurai clans—specifically the Minamoto and Taira—proved their military dominance.
The conflict pitted the reigning Emperor Go-Shirakawa against the retired Emperor Sutoku. Tensions had been simmering for years, driven by court intrigue and power struggles. When open war broke out, it tore families apart; brothers fought brothers, and uncles fought nephews. In the end, the forces loyal to Go-Shirakawa emerged victorious.
The aftermath was brutal. Unlike previous eras where execution was rare for nobility, the victors executed the leaders of the losing side. Emperor Sutoku, however, faced a fate perhaps worse than death for a sovereign: he was stripped of his dignity and exiled to the remote Sanuki Province (modern-day Kagawa Prefecture) in Shikoku. It was in this isolation that the man died and the monster was born.
The Legend: From Emperor to Demon King
The transformation of Sutoku into one of Japan’s “Three Great Vengeful Spirits” (Nihon San Dai Onryo) is a tale of tragic despair turning into cosmic rage.
According to the Hogen Monogatari (The Tale of Hogen), while in exile, Sutoku devoted himself to Buddhism. He spent three years copying holy sutras in his own blood, offering them to the court in Kyoto as an act of repentance and a prayer for the repose of the war dead. However, the ruling Emperor Go-Shirakawa, suspecting the scriptures were cursed, rejected them and sent them back.
Upon receiving the rejected sutras, Sutoku snapped. Legend says he bit off his own tongue and wrote a curse in fresh blood: “I shall become the Great Demon of Japan to wreak havoc upon the Emperor and the people.” He vowed to make the emperor a commoner and a commoner the emperor.
He allegedly refused to cut his nails or hair, transforming into a Tengu (a long-nosed goblin-like demon) while still alive. Upon his death, storms ravaged Kyoto, plagues spread, and key political figures died mysteriously. The rise of the warrior class and the subsequent fall of imperial power were widely attributed to Sutoku’s curse finally manifesting.
Modern Culture & Legacy
The fear of Sutoku’s spirit was so profound that it influenced Japanese politics for centuries. Even as late as 1964, prior to the Tokyo Olympics, an official ceremony was held to appease his spirit, proving that the legend holds weight in the modern psyche.
In the realm of arts, the Hogen Rebellion spirits appear frequently in Noh and Kabuki theater. The image of Sutoku as a long-haired, thunder-wielding demon is a staple in Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. In modern pop culture, he appears in manga, anime, and video games (such as the Fate series or Yokai Watch), often depicted as a powerful, tragic antagonist.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Spirits
For travelers looking to explore this dark chapter of history, several sites in Kyoto and Shikoku offer a tangible connection to the legend.
Shiramine Jingu (Kyoto)
Originally built to appease Sutoku’s spirit, this shrine is now famous as the guardian of ball games (due to the Kemari tradition associated with the court). While now a cheerful spot for athletes, its origins are rooted in fear of the Hogen ghosts.
Yasui Konpiragu (Kyoto)
Located in the Gion district, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Sutoku. It is famous for a large stone monument covered in paper amulets. Visitors crawl through a hole in the stone to “break bad ties” (divorce, bad habits, illness) and crawl back to “initiate good ties.” It reflects Sutoku’s tragic forced separation from his life in Kyoto.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Sutoku (Kagawa)
For the adventurous traveler heading to Shikoku, you can visit the site of his exile and his mausoleum near Mt. Shiramine. It is a somber, quiet place far removed from the bustle of Kyoto, retaining an atmosphere of ancient sorrow.
Travel Etiquette: When visiting these sites, remember that they are active places of worship. Unlike Western haunted houses, these are memorials to real historical tragedies. Bow at the torii gates and maintain a respectful volume.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the Hogen Rebellion and the era of the samurai, consider exploring the following texts:
- The Hogen Monogatari (The Tale of Hogen): The primary military chronicle (gunki monogatari) detailing the events of the rebellion and the subsequent legends.
- Tales of Uji Shui (Uji Shui Monogatari): A collection of folk tales from the Kamakura period that includes supernatural occurrences related to the era.
- The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki: While these ancient texts predate the Hogen Rebellion by centuries, they establish the foundation of the Shinto belief systems and the concept of Ara-mitama (violent spirits) that frame the Sutoku legend.