List of emperors of Japan
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates
Japan has been ruled by emperors since antiquity. The sequence, order and dates of the early emperors are almost entirely based on the 8th-century Nihon Shoki, which was meant to retroactively legitimise the Imperial House by dating its foundation further back to the year 660 BC.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=Vogel>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Emperor Kinmei (Template:Reign) is often considered the first historical emperor,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Timothy">Template:Cite book</ref> but the first Japanese ruler supported by historical evidence is actually Emperor Yūryaku (Template:Reign), who is mentioned in the 5th-century Inariyama and Eta Funayama Swords.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> According to Chinese sources, the unification of Japan took place between the 2nd and 3rd centuries.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref>
The terms Tennō ('Emperor', 天皇), as well as Nihon ('Japan', 日本), were not adopted until the late 7th century AD.<ref name="Holcombe">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=Vogel/> In the nengō system which has been in use since the late 7th century, years are numbered using the Japanese era name and the number of years which have elapsed since the start of that nengō era.Template:Sfn
Emperors of Japan
Ancient Japan
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:SfnTemplate:Efn-lr | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Jimmu detai 02.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Jimmu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
660–585 BC Template:Small |
721 or 711–585 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of kami Ugayafukiaezu. Claimed descent from the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Defeated Nagasunehiko in the Eastern Expedition to become emperor. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Suizei thumb 1.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Suizei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
581–549 BC Template:Small |
632–549 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Jimmu. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Annei thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Annei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
549–511 BC Template:Small |
567–511 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Suizei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Itoku thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Itoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
510–477 BC Template:Small |
553–477 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Annei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Kōshō thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōshō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
475–393 BC Template:Small |
506–393 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Itoku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Kōan thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōan {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
392–291 BC Template:Small |
427–291 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōshō. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Kōrei thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōrei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
290–215 BC Template:Small |
342–215 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōan. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Kōgen thumb.gif | lang}} | Emperor Kōgen {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
214–158 BC Template:Small |
273–158 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōrei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Kaika thumb.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kaika {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
157–98 BC Template:Small |
208–98 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōgen. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Sujin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Sujin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
97–30 BC Template:Small |
148–30 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kaika. First emperor with a direct possibility of existence.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Still presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Suinin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Suinin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
29 BC–AD 70 Template:Small |
69 BC–AD 70 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Sujin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Keikō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Keikō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
71–130 Template:Small |
13 BC–AD 130 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Suinin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Seimu.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Seimu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
131–190 Template:Small |
84–190 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Keikō. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Chūaii thumb.gif | lang}} | Emperor Chūai {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
192–200 Template:Small |
149–200 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Keikō; nephew of Seimu. First emperor to ascend the throne without being the son of the previous emperor. Died during a campaign against the Kumaso tribe. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Kaiserin Jingū.jpg | lang}} | Empress Jingū {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
201–269 Template:Small |
170–269 Template:Small Template:HrWife of Emperor Chūai; mother and regent of Emperor Ōjin. Not counted among the officially numbered emperors. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ōjin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ōjin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
270–310 Template:Small |
201–310 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū. Deified in Shinto and Buddhism in Japan as Hachiman.Template:Sfnm Likely a historical ruler that lived much later.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Nintoku.gif | lang}} | Emperor Nintoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
313–399 Template:Small |
290–399 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ōjin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Richū.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Richū {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
400–405 Template:Small |
336–405 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nintoku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:HanzeiTennō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Hanzei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
406–411 Template:Small |
352–411 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ingyō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ingyō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
411–453 Template:Small |
376–453 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū and Emperor Hanzei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ankō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ankō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
453–456 Template:Small |
401–456 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ingyō. Assassinated by Prince Mayowa. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Yūryaku detail.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Yūryaku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
456–479 Template:Small |
418–479 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ingyō; younger brother of Ankō.Template:Sfnm First historical emperor.Template:Efn-lr |
| Template:Sort | File:Orekidai seinei.png | lang}} | Emperor Seinei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
480–484 Template:Small |
444–484 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Yūryaku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kenzō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kenzō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
485–487 Template:Small |
450–487 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ninken.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ninken {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
488–498 Template:Small |
448–498 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei; older brother of Emperor Kenzō. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Buretsu.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Buretsu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
499–506 Template:Small |
489–506 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ninken. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Statue of Emperor Keitai.jpg | OhodoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Keitai {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
3 March 507 – 10 March 531 Template:Small |
450 – 10 March 531 Template:Small Template:Hr5th-generation grandson of Emperor Ōjin. Became emperor at the recommendation of Ōtomo no Kanamura. Possible founder of a new dynasty.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ankan.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ankan {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
Template:Circa 10 March 531 – 25 January 536 Template:Small |
466 – 25 January 536 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Keitai. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Senka.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Senka {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
25 January 536 – 15 March 539 Template:Small |
466 – 15 March 539 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Emperor Ankan. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm |
Classical Japan (540–1185)
Asuka period (538–710)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kinmei.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kinmei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
540–571 Template:Small |
509–571 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Ankan and Senka. Often considered the first historically verifiable emperor.<ref name="Timothy"/>Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Bidatsu.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Bidatsu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
572–585 Template:Small |
538–585 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kinmei.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Yomeitenno.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Yōmei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
586–587 Template:Small |
517–587 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kinmei; half-brother of Emperor Bidatsu.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Sushun.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Sushun {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
587–592 Template:Small |
522–592 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kinmei; half-brother of Emperor Bidatsu and Emperor Yōmei. Made emperor by Soga no Umako following the Soga–Mononobe conflict. Assassinated by Yamatonoaya no Koma on the orders of Soga no Umako.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Suiko 2.jpg | lang}} | Empress Suiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
593–628 Template:Small |
554–628 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Kinmei; half-sister and wife of Emperor Bidatsu. First non-legendary female monarch. Prince Shōtoku acted as her regent.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Jomei.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Jomei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
629–641 Template:Small |
593–641 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Bidatsu; great nephew of Empress Suiko.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Kogyoku-Saimei.jpg | lang}} | Empress Kōgyoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
642–645 Template:Small |
594–661 Template:Small Template:HrGreat-granddaughter of Emperor Bidatsu; wife of Emperor Jomei. First reign. Abdicated as a result of the Isshi incident.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kotoku.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōtoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
645–654 Template:Small |
597–654 Template:Small Template:HrGreat-grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; younger brother of Empress Kōgyoku. First era name assigned.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Kogyoku-Saimei.jpg | lang}} | Empress Saimei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
655–661 Template:Small |
594–661 Template:Small Template:HrOlder sister of Emperor Kōtoku. Previously reigned as Empress Kōgyoku. Second reign.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Tenji.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Tenji {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
662–672 Template:Small |
626–672 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kōbun.jpg | ŌtomoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Kōbun {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
672 Template:Small |
648–672 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tenji. Deposed and committed suicide during the Jinshin War. Not recognized as emperor until 1870.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Tenmu.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Tenmu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
673–686 Template:Small |
622–686 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku; younger brother of Emperor Tenji. Deposed his nephew, Emperor Kōbun, during the Jinshin War.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Jitō.jpg | UnonosararaTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Empress Jitō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
687–697 Template:Small |
646–703 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Tenji; niece and wife of Emperor Tenmu. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Monmu portrait.png | KaruTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Monmu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small Template:Small |
697–707 Template:Small |
683–707 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.Template:Sfnm |
Nara period (710–794)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Gemmei.jpg | AheTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Empress Genmei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
707–715 Template:Small |
660–721 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Tenji; half-sister of Empress Jitō; mother of Emperor Monmu. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Genshō Tsubosaka-dera.jpg | HidakaTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Empress Genshō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
715–724 Template:Small |
681–748 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Empress Genmei; elder sister of Emperor Monmu. Only instance of an empress regnant inheriting the throne from another empress regnant. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Shomu.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Shōmu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Emperor Shōhō-kanjin-shōmu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
724–749 Template:Small |
701–756 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Monmu; nephew of Empress Genshō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Kōken1878(Cropped).jpg | lang}} | Empress Kōken {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
749–758 Template:Small |
718–770 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Shōmu. First reign. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Junnin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Junnin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
758–764 Template:Small |
733–765 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Tenmu; cousin of Empress Kōken. Deposed. Posthumously named emperor in 1870.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Kōken1878(Cropped).jpg | lang}} | Empress Shōtoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
764–770 Template:Small |
718–770 Template:Small Template:HrDeposed her cousin, Emperor Junnin. Previously reigned as Empress Kōken. Second reign.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kōnin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōnin {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} Template:Small |
770–781 Template:Small |
708–782 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Tenji; brother-in-law of Empress Shōtoku. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
Heian period (794–1185)
Medieval Japan (1185–1603)
Kamakura period (1185–1333)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Toba.jpg | TakahiraTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-Toba {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
8 September 1183 – 18 February 1198 Template:Small |
6 August 1180 – 28 March 1239 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Takakura; half-brother of Emperor Antoku. Made emperor by Emperor Go-Shirakawa during the Genpei War. Kamakura shogunate turned the emperor into a figurehead. Abdicated. Attempted to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate during the Jōkyū War.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Tsuchimikado.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Tsuchimikado {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
18 February 1198 – 12 December 1210 Template:Small |
3 January 1196 – 6 November 1231 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Toba. Persuaded by Emperor Go-Toba to abdicate. Exiled following the Jōkyū War.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Juntoku large.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Juntoku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
12 December 1210 – 12 May 1221 Template:Small |
22 October 1197 – 7 October 1242 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Toba; half-brother of Emperor Tsuchimikado. Forced to abdicate following the Jōkyū War.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Chūkyō by Kōtarō Miyake.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Chūkyō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
12 May 1221 – 29 July 1221 Template:Small |
30 October 1218 – 18 June 1234 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Juntoku. Deposed and exiled following the Jōkyū War. Posthumously named emperor in 1870.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Horikawa.jpg | YutahitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-Horikawa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
29 July 1221 – 17 November 1232 Template:Small |
22 March 1212 – 31 August 1234 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Takakura; first cousin of Emperor Chūkyō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Shijō.jpg | MitsuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Shijō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
17 November 1232 – 10 February 1242 Template:Small Template:HrJōei, Tenpuku, Bunryaku, Katei, Ryakunin, En'ō, Ninji |
17 March 1231 – 10 February 1242 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Horikawa.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Saga.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Saga {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
21 February 1242 – 16 February 1246 Template:Small |
1 April 1220 – 17 March 1272 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tsuchimikado; second cousin of Emperor Shijō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Fukakusa.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-FukakusaTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1246–1260 Template:Small |
1243–1304 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Saga. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated at the insistence of Emperor Go-Saga.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kameyama.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kameyama {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1260–1274 Template:Small |
1249–1305 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Saga; younger brother of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Daikakuji line. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Uda2.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Uda {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1274–1287 Template:Small |
1267–1324 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kameyama. From the Daikakuji line. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Go-Fukakusa.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Fushimi.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Fushimi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1287–1298 Template:Small |
1265–1317 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Fushimi.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Fushimi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1298–1301 Template:Small |
1288–1336 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Forced to abdicate by the Daikakuji line. Traditional dates used.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Nijō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Nijō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1301–1308 Template:Small |
1285–1308 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Uda. From the Daikakuji line.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Tennō Hanazono detail.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Hanazono {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1308–1318 Template:Small |
1297–1348 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Agreed to alternate control of the throne between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin lines.Template:Sfnm |
Courts period (1336–1392) / Muromachi period (1336–1573) / Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1600)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Godaigo by Monkan-bō Kōshin.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Daigo {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1318–1339 Template:Small Template:HrBunpō, Gen'ō, Genkō (1321–24), Shōchū, Karyaku, Gentoku, Genkō (1331–34), Kenmu, Engen |
1288–1339 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Uda; younger brother of Emperor Go-Nijō. From the Daikakuji line. Kamakura shogunate ended in the Genkō War. Brief imperial rule during the Kenmu Restoration. Opposed the Ashikaga shogunate. Became the first emperor of the Southern Court.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Murakami cropped.jpg | NoriyoshiTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-Murakami {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1339–1368 Template:Small |
1328–1368 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Daigo. Second emperor of the Southern Court. Southern Court briefly took the Northern Court's capital, Kyoto, during the Kannō disturbance.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Chokei.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Chōkei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1368–1383 Template:Small |
1343–1394 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Murakami. Third emperor of the Southern Court. Abdicated.Template:Sfn |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Kameyama.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Kameyama {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1383–1392 Template:Small |
Template:Circa 1347–1424 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Murakami; younger brother of Emperor Chōkei. Fourth and last emperor of the Southern Court. Agreed to peace with the Northern Court. Abdicated in favor of the Northern Court line.Template:Sfn |
| (1) | File:光厳法皇像.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōgon {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1331–1333 Template:Small |
1313–1364 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Fushimi; nephew and adopted son of Emperor Hanazono. From the Jimyōin line. Made the first emperor of the Northern Court by the Kamakura shogunate during the Genkō War. Deposed by Emperor Go-Daigo of the Daikakuji line. Captured by the Southern Court during the Kannō disturbance.Template:Sfnm |
| (2) | File:Emperor Kōmyō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōmyō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1336–1348 Template:Small |
1322–1380 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Fushimi; younger brother of Emperor Kōgon. Made second emperor of the Northern Court by the Ashikaga shogunate. Abdicated. Captured by the Southern Court during the Kannō disturbance.Template:Sfnm |
| (3) | File:Emperor Sukō.jpg | OkihitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Sukō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1348–1351 Template:Small |
1334–1398 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōgon; nephew of Emperor Kōmyō. Third emperor of the Northern Court. Abdicated. Captured by the Southern Court during the Kannō disturbance.Template:Sfnm |
| (4) | File:Emperor Go-Kōgon.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Kōgon {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1352–1371 Template:Small |
1338–1374 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōgon; younger brother of Emperor Sukō. Became the fourth Emperor of the Northern Court after the Kannō disturbance. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| (5) | File:Emperor Go-En'yū detail.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-En'yū {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1371–1382 Template:Small |
1359–1393 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Kōgon. Fifth emperor of the Northern Court. Abdicated in favor of Emperor Go-Komatsu.Template:Sfnm |
| (6) | File:Emperor Go-Komatsu.jpg | Motohito {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-KomatsuTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
1382–1392 Template:Small |
1377–1433 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-En'yū. Sixth and last emperor of the Northern Court from 1382 until 1392. Became the legitimate emperor following Emperor Go-Kameyama's abdication. Agreed to alternate control of the throne by the Northern Court and the Southern Court. All emperors after him are from the Northern line.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfnm |
| 100 | 1392–1412 Template:Small | ||||
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Shōkō by Kōtarō Miyake.jpg | MihitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Shōkō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
5 October 1412 – 30 August 1428 Template:Small |
12 May 1401 – 30 August 1428 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Komatsu.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Hanazono2.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Hanazono {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
7 September 1428 – 21 August 1464 Template:Small Template:HrShōchō, Eikyō, Kakitsu, Bun'an, Hōtoku, Kyōtoku, Kōshō, Chōroku, Kanshō |
10 July 1419 – 18 January 1471 Template:Small Template:HrGreat-grandson of Northern Emperor Sukō; third cousin of Emperor Shōkō. Abdicated. Traditional dates used.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
21 August 1464 – 21 October 1500 Template:Small Template:HrKanshō, Bunshō, Ōnin, Bunmei, Chōkyō, Entoku, Meiō |
3 July 1442 – 21 October 1500 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Hanazono. Ōnin War led to the start of the Sengoku period.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Kashiwabara.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-KashiwabaraTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
16 November 1500 – 18 May 1526 Template:Small |
19 November 1462 – 18 May 1526 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. Imperial rule in the Ashikaga shogunate reached its lowest point in his reign.Template:Sfn |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Nara.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-NaraTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
9 June 1526 – 27 September 1557 Template:Small |
26 January 1495 – 27 September 1557 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ogimachi.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ōgimachi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
17 November 1557 – 17 December 1586 Template:Small |
18 June 1517 – 6 February 1593 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Nara. Ashikaga shogunate overthrown by Oda Nobunaga. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Yozei3.jpg | KatahitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-Yōzei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
17 December 1586 – 9 May 1611 Template:Small |
31 December 1571 – 25 September 1617 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Ōgimachi. Tokugawa shogunate established. Sengoku period ended.Template:Sfnm |
Edo period (1603–1868)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Mizunoo3.jpg | KotohitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-MizunooTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
9 May 1611 – 22 December 1629 Template:Small |
29 June 1596 – 11 September 1680 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Yōzei. Japan implements isolationist policy. Purple Robe Incident led to his abdication.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Meisho of Japan.jpg | lang}} | Empress Meishō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
22 December 1629 – 14 November 1643 Template:Small |
9 January 1624 – 4 December 1696 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Kōmyō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Kōmyō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
14 November 1643 – 30 October 1654 Template:Small |
20 April 1633 – 30 October 1654 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger half-brother of Empress Meishō.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Sai.jpg | NagahitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Go-SaiTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
5 January 1655 – 5 March 1663 Template:Small |
1 January 1638 – 22 March 1685 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger half-brother of Empress Meishō and Emperor Go-Kōmyō. Abdicated.Template:Sfn |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Reigen.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Reigen {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
5 March 1663 – 2 May 1687 Template:Small |
9 July 1654 – 24 September 1732 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Higashiyama.jpg | AsahitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Higashiyama {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
2 May 1687 – 27 July 1709 Template:Small |
21 October 1675 – 16 January 1710 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Reigen. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Nakamikado.jpg | YasuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Emperor Nakamikado {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
27 July 1709 – 13 April 1735 Template:Small |
14 January 1702 – 10 May 1737 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Higashiyama. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Sakuramachi.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Sakuramachi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
13 April 1735 – 9 June 1747 Template:Small |
8 February 1720 – 28 May 1750 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nakamikado. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Momozono.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Momozono {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
9 June 1747 – 1762 Template:Small |
14 April 1741 – 31 August 1762 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Sakuramachi. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Empress Go-Sakuramachi.jpg | lang}} | Empress Go-Sakuramachi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
15 September 1762 – 9 January 1771 Template:Small |
23 September 1740 – 24 December 1813 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Sakuramachi; younger sister of Emperor Momozono. Abdicated.Template:Sfn |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Go-Momozono.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Go-Momozono {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
9 January 1771 – 16 December 1779 Template:Small |
5 August 1758 – 16 December 1779 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Momozono; nephew of Empress Go-Sakuramachi.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Kōkaku.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Kōkaku {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
16 December 1779 – 7 May 1817 Template:Small |
23 September 1771 – 11 December 1840 Template:Small Template:HrGreat-grandson of Emperor Higashiyama; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Go-Momozono. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Ninkō.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Ninkō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
7 May 1817 – 21 February 1846 Template:Small |
16 March 1800 – 21 February 1846 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōkaku.Template:Sfn |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Komei Portrait by Koyama Shotaro 1902.png | lang}} | Emperor Kōmei {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
10 March 1846 – 30 January 1867 Template:Small |
22 July 1831 – 30 January 1867 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ninkō. Reigned during the Bakumatsu period during which Japan ended its isolationist policy and changed from Tokugawa rule to Imperial rule. Last instance of an emperor with multiple era names.Template:Sfn |
Modern Japan (since 1867)
| Template:Abbr | Portrait | Personal name | Template:Nowrap | Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn | Life details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sort | File:Black and white portrait of emperor Meiji of Japan.jpg | lang}} | Emperor Meiji {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
30 January 1867 – 30 July 1912 Template:Small |
3 November 1852 – 30 July 1912 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōmei. Ended the Tokugawa shogunate with the Meiji Restoration (3 January 1868). First emperor of the Empire of Japan.Template:Sfn<ref name="HDJFP">Template:Cite book</ref> | |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Taishō (cropped 2).jpg | lang}} | Emperor Taishō {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926 Template:Small |
31 August 1879 – 25 December 1926 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Meiji. Taishō Democracy shifted political power from the genrō to the Imperial Diet and political parties. His eldest son, Crown Prince Hirohito, served as Sesshō ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}; "Regent") from 1921 to 1926 because of Taishō's illness.<ref name="HDJFP" />Template:Sfn | |
| Template:Sort | File:Hirohito in dress uniform (cropped 2).jpg | lang}} | Emperor Shōwa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
25 December 1926 – 7 January 1989 Template:Small |
29 April 1901 – 7 January 1989 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Taishō. Served as Sesshō from 1921 to 1926. Last emperor of the Empire of Japan. Reign saw World War II and post-war economic miracle. Longest reigning verifiable emperor.<ref name="HDJFP" />Template:Sfn | |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Akihito (cropped).jpg | Akihito {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Living | 7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 Template:Small |
born 23 December 1933 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Shōwa. Abdicated and later referred to as Template:Nowrap ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}; Template:Nowrap). Longest living verifiable emperor.Template:Sfn | |
| Template:Sort | File:Emperor Naruhito 201905 (cropped 2).jpg | Naruhito {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
Living | 1 May 2019 – present Template:Small |
born 23 February 1960 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Akihito. Referred to as Template:Nowrap (Template:Nowrap; "the Reigning Emperor") or Template:Nowrap (Template:Nowrap; "His Majesty the Emperor").<ref name="Nikkei-20190430">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref>Template:Sfn |
Posthumously recognized individuals
This is a list of individuals who did not reign as emperor during their lifetime but were later recognized as Japanese emperors posthumously.
| Portrait | Personal name | Posthumous name | Year recognized | Life details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg | Prince Kusakabe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | 759 | 662–689 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tenmu; husband of Empress Genmei; father of Emperor Monmu and Empress Genshō. Made crown prince in 681; heir to Emperor Tenmu. Died prior to acceding the throne following Emperor Tenmu's death.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
| File:Prince Toneri.jpg | Prince Toneri {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | 759 | 676–735 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tenmu; half-brother of Prince Kusakabe; father of Emperor Junnin.Template:Sfn<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
| File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg | Prince Shiki {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | 770 | died 716
Template:HrSon of Emperor Tenji; half-brother of Emperor Tenmu, Empress Jitō, Empress Genmei and Emperor Kōbun; father of Emperor Kōnin; half-uncle of Prince Kusakabe and Prince Toneri.<ref name=Ponsonby/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
| File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg | Prince Sawara {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | 800 | 750–785 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōnin; younger brother of Emperor Kanmu. Made crown prince in 781. Implicated in the assassination of Fujiwara no Tanetsugu. Died on the way to exile.<ref name=Ponsonby>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
| File:Prince Sanehito.jpg | Prince Masahito {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | Before 1611 | 1552–1586 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Emperor Ōgimachi; father of Emperor Go-Yōzei. Posthumously recognized as emperor by Emperor Go-Yōzei.<ref name=Ponsonby/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
| File:The prince Sukehito Kanninn.jpg | Sukehito, Prince Kan'in {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} |
lang}} | 1884 | 1733–1794 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Higashiyama; father of Emperor Kōkaku.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
See also
- Emperor of Japan
- Empress of Japan
- Sesshō and Kampaku
- Shogun
- Prime Minister of Japan
- Family tree of Japanese monarchs
- Princess Iitoyo
References
Notes
Citations
Sources
- {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
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- Template:Cite book
External links
Template:Monarchs of Japan Template:Japan topics Template:Portal bar