Here we continue the story of Emperor Go-Daigo that we introduced in the section “Traces of Emperor Go-Daigo’s Arrival.”

During the Nanboku-chō Period, there was conflict between the Southern Dynasty ruled by Emperor Go-Daigo and the Northern Dynasty ruled by Ashikaga Takauji. However, after Emperor Go-Daigo died, the Southern Dynasty weakened and eventually surrendered. At the time, the new emperor of the Southern Dynasty negotiated conditions with the Northern Dynasty, among which was the stipulation that the emperor of this united dynasty should alternate between the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It is precisely because of this condition that the Emperor of the Southern Dynasty temporarily stepped down from his position.

However, just as it was time to pass over power to the Southern Dynasty, the emperor of the Northern Dynasty broke his promise and kept ruling for a second term. The Southern Dynasty, of course, rebelled against this, but it was quelled by a tragic defeat and was completely disbanded. Thus, King Noritaka Ogura , the emperor of the Southern Dynasty in those times, was exiled to the Oki Archipelago. This is where his grave lies, though there are only speculations about his circumstances. Details, such as whether he was actually in exile in the Oki Archipelago and where he might have died, remain uncertain.