Emperor Monmu

Emperor Monmu (文武天皇, Monmu-tennō; 683–707) was the 42nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.

Monmu's reign spanned the years from 697 through 707.

Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Karu-shinnō.

He was a grandson of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. He was the second son of Prince Kusakabe. Monmu's mother was Princess Abe, a daughter of Emperor Tenji. Monmu's mother would later accede to the throne herself, and she would be known as Empress Genmei.

Karu-shinnō was only six years old when his father, Crown Prince Kusakabe, died.

Emperor Monmu ruled until his death in 707, at which point he was succeeded by his mother, Empress Genmei, who was also his first cousin once removed and his first cousin twice removed. He left a young son by Fujiwara no Miyako, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito: Obito no miko (Prince Obito), who eventually became Emperor Shōmu.

Emperor Monmu's reign lasted 10 years. He died at the age of 25.

The actual site of Monmu's grave is known. This emperor is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara.