Overview

This is a letter sent by Emperor Goen'yû (1358-93, r. 1371-82) to his retainers concerning a melody of ancient court music (J., gagaku) at New Year's, 1387 (Kakei 1). Although the address is missing, we can assume from the text that it was sent to officials at the Office of Ancient Court Music (J., Gagakuryô). Emperor Goen'yû was the fifth emperor of the Northern Court (J., Hokuchô), and was the son of Emperor Gokôgon (1338-74, r. 1352-71). His given name was Ohito. His mother was Fujiwara Nakako. He succeeded to the throne in 1371 (Ôan 4) and reigned for 11 years, abdicating in favor of his son, Prince Motohito (later Emperor Gokomatsu, 1377-1433, r. 1382-92), in 1382 (Eitoku 2). The "coming of age ceremony" (J., ongenpuku) referred to in the letter was the coming of age ceremony and coronation of Emperor Gokomatsu, on the third day of the first month of that year. "Lord Sanenao" refers to Imadegawa Sanenao, who worked as a magistrate at that time.