The Nihonshoki describes the 11-year-old Buretsu, in 500, cutting open the stomach of a pregnant woman and observing the embryo.

In addition to his acts of personal cruelty, during his reign the general welfare of the nation declined severely.

Nihonshoki likened his debauchery to Di Xin of the Shang dynasty, but the record in Kojiki has no such indication.

In history textbooks available before and during World War II, the negative parts of Buretsu's record were intentionally omitted.

[5] Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD  * Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed.