Emperor Richū (履中天皇) was the 17th imperial ruler of Japan. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor or to his reign, but he is believed to have ruled the country during the early 5th century CE.
According to Nihonshoki and Kojiki, he was the first son of Nintoku. He succumbed to disease in his sixth year of reign. His tomb is in Kawachi province, in the middle of present-day Osaka prefecture. He was succeeded by his younger brother Hanzei; none of his sons succeeded to the throne, although two grandsons (Kenzo and Ninken) did eventually become emperor.
Some scholars identify him with King San in the Book of Song . King San sent messangers to Song Dynasty at least twice in 421 and 425, died before 438 and was succeeded by his younger brother.
