Prince Niitabe

The seventh son of Emperor Tenmu. His mother was Fujiwara no Kamatari's daughter, Musumeioenoi-no-iratsume. In 719 (Yoro 3), together with Prince Toneri, he was made to assist Prince Obito (later Emperor Shomu), and was given two inner toneri, four dai toneri, and 20 eji, and his fiefdom was increased by 500 households, and he was treated well by the previous government, with 1,500 households. At that time, he was ranked second rank. The following year, when Fujiwara no Fuhito died, he was appointed as the Chief Guard and the Personnel of the Sword Office, and took complete control of the military. In 724 (Jinki 1), he was promoted to first rank. In 729 (Tenpyo 1), he questioned the king about his crimes during the Nagaya no O Incident. In 731, when the Sokan (general governor) was appointed in Kinai and the Chinbu (police officers) were appointed in various provinces, he was appointed as the Grand Sokan (general governor). The prince's former residence was given to Ganjin, and Toshodaiji Temple was built there. His children were Shioyaki-o and Funado-o. He died on September 30, 7th year of Tenpyo.

[Kenichi Yokota]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

天武(てんむ)天皇の第七皇子。母は藤原鎌足(かまたり)の女五百重娘(むすめいおえのいらつめ)。719年（養老3）舎人(とねり)親王とともに皇太子首(おびと)皇子（後の聖式(しょうむ)天皇）を輔佐(ほさ)せしめられ、内舎人2人、大舎人4人、衛士(えじ)20人を賜い、封500戸を増し、前に通じて1500戸の厚遇を受けた。ときに位は二品(にほん)。翌年藤原不比等(ふひと)が死ぬと知五衛および授刀舎人事に任ぜられ、軍事を一手に掌握した。724年（神亀1）一品に昇る。729年（天平1）長屋王の変には王の罪を窮問した。731年畿内(きない)に惣管(そうかん)、諸道に鎮撫(ちんぶ)使が置かれたとき、大惣管に任ぜられた。唐招提寺(とうしょうだいじ)は親王の旧宅を鑑真(がんじん)に与え、そこに建てられた。その子に塩焼(しおやき)王、道祖(ふなど)王がある。天平(てんぴょう)7年9月30日没。

［横田健一］

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