After learning about the experience of the discontinuity in Emperor Tenmu's Imperial line, Emperor Konin appointed his son, Emperor Kanmu as his successor, Kanmu's younger brother, Imperial Prince Sawara was chosen as the second successor of the Crown Prince.
光仁は天武系断絶を教訓として息子の桓武天皇を後継とし、その弟の早良親王を桓武の皇太弟とした。