Before he became the monarch, this prince's personal name (imina) was Kamino (神野).[4] He was the son of Emperor Kammu, and he was the younger brother of Emperor Heizei by the same mother.[5]
He had nine Empresses and consorts; and 47 Imperial sons and daughters.[6]
Saga was known as a good writer. He sponsored the first imperial poetry competitions (naien).[7] According to legend, he was the first Japanese emperor to drink tea.
Events of Saga's life
Before he became the monarch, he was Crown Prince for three years.
17 June 809 (Daidō 4, 1st day of the 4th month): In the 4th year of Emperor Heizei's reign, he was very sick and he abdicated. The succession (senso) was received by his younger brother Then the new emperor is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui).[4] This was confirmed in ceremonies.[8]
24 August 842 (Jōwa 9, 15th day of the 7th month): Saga died at the age of 57.[9]
In ancient Japan, there were four noble clans, the Gempeitōkitsu (源平藤橘). One of these clans, the Minamoto clan are also known as Genji (源氏). The Saga Genji (嵯峨源氏) are said to be descended from Emperor Saga.
