# Emperor Shōmu - Emperor

URL: https://history-japan.com/rulers/emperor-shomu
Reign: 724 – 749
Dynasty: Imperial House of Japan
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Shōmu

Shōmu sponsored provincial temples and the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, linking Buddhist protection with the authority of the state.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Empress Genshō](https://history-japan.com/rulers/empress-gensho)
- Succeeded by: [Empress Kōken](https://history-japan.com/rulers/empress-koken)