Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇) was the 21st 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 late 5th century CE.
According to Kojiki and Nihonshoki, Yuryaku was named Prince Ohatsuse-Wakatake at birth. He was the fifth and youngest son of Ingyo. After his elder brother Emperor Anko was murdered, he won the struggle against his other brothers and became the new emperor.
He had three wives (including the empress Kusahahatahi); his successor, Prince Shiraka (Seinei), was the issue of his wife Katsuragi-no-karahime.
Yuryaku is believed to be referred to as Bu in contemporary Chinese records. These records state that Bu began his rule before 477, was recognized as the ruler of Japan by the Song, Qi, and Liang dynasties, and continued his rule through 502. Bu sent messengers to the Song dynasty in 477 and 478.
