At this time there wasn't an appropriate successor and Imperia Prince Tsunesada, who had previously lost his position as Crown Prince, and Emperor Saga's child, MINAMOTO no Toru, were both appointed as successors, finally it was decided in favor of Emperor Ninmyo's child, Emperor Koko who was rather old to become a successor, became Emperor after following the example of when Emperor Shoko died.
このときは、有力候補がおらず、廃太子となった恒貞親王や嵯峨の子である源融らが候補となったが、最終的には称徳崩御時の先例をとって、仁明の子で年配の光孝天皇が即位して皇位を継いだ。