Dōkyō
| Dōkyō | |
|---|---|
| Born | 700 Wakae, Kawachi Province |
| Died | May 13, 772 (aged 71–72) Shimotsuke Yakushi-ji, Shimotsuke Province |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Occupation | Monk |
Dōkyō (道鏡; 700 – May 13, 772) was a Japanese monk who rose to power through the favor of Empress Kōken (Empress Shōtoku) and became a Daijō-daijin Zenji, the rank set up for him, and later became a Hōō, the highest rank of the religious world.
He served Ryoben at Tōdai-ji. He was favored by retired empress Kōken for nursing her and healing her illness. After the Fujiwara no Nakamaro Rebellion, Kōken came to the throne again as Empress Shōtoku, and Dōkyō became Daijō-daijin and then Hōō, and wielded great power. He also attempted to take advantage of the oracle of Usa Hachiman to assume the position of emperor, but was blocked by Wake no Kiyomaro. He lost his position after the death of Empress Shōtoku and was sent to Shimotsuke Yakushi-ji.
He has historical reputation as one of Japan's Three Great Villains (日本三大梟雄), a nickname which he shared with Ashikaga Takauji and Taira no Kiyomori; who also known with similar sobriquet as Japan's Three Great Villains by Confucian-minded history scholars due to their lack of loyalty to the throne.