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 BCE.[1] [2] [3] There are several theories as to who was the first Japanese ruler supported by historical evidence: notable candidates are Emperor Yūryaku (r. 456–479) and Emperor Kinmei (r. 539–571), among others.[4]
The terms Tennō ('Emperor', 天皇), as well as Nihon ('Japan', 日本), were not adopted until the late 7th century CE.[5] [2] 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.
| class=unsortable | Portrait | Personal name | Reign and era names | Life details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hikohohodemi Japanese: 彦火火出見 | Emperor Jimmu Japanese: 神武天皇 | 660–585 BC | 721 or 711–585 BC Son of kami Ugayafukiaezu. Claimed descent from the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Defeated Nagasunehiko in the Eastern Expedition to become emperor. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Kamununakawamimi Japanese: 神渟名川耳 | Emperor Suizei Japanese: 綏靖天皇 | 585–549 BC | 632–549 BC Son of Emperor Jimmu. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Shikitsuhikotamatemi Japanese: 磯城津彦玉手看 | Emperor Annei Japanese: 安寧天皇 | 549–510 BC | 567–511 BC Son of Emperor Suizei. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōyamatohikosukitomo Japanese: 大日本彦耜友 | Emperor Itoku Japanese: 懿徳天皇 | 510–477 BC | 553–477 BC Son of Emperor Annei. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Mimatsuhikokaeshine Japanese: 観松彦香殖稲 | Emperor Kōshō Japanese: 孝昭天皇 | 477–392 BC | 506–393 BC Son of Emperor Itoku. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito Japanese: 日本足彦国押人 | Emperor Kōan Japanese: 孝安天皇 | 392–291 BC | 427–291 BC Son of Emperor Kōshō. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōyamatonekohikofutoni Japanese: 大日本根子彦太瓊 | Emperor Kōrei Japanese: 孝霊天皇 | 290–215 BC | 342–215 BC Son of Emperor Kōan. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōyamatonekohikokunikuru Japanese: 大日本根子彦国牽 | Emperor Kōgen Japanese: 孝元天皇 | 214–158 BC | 273–158 BC Son of Emperor Kōrei. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi Japanese: 稚日本根子彦大日日 | Emperor Kaika Japanese: 開化天皇 | 157–98 BC | 208–98 BC Son of Emperor Kōgen. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Mimaki Japanese: 御間城 | Emperor Sujin Japanese: 崇神天皇 | 97–30 BC | 148–30 BC Son of Emperor Kaika. First emperor with a direct possibility of existence.[6] Still presumed legendary. | |||
| Ikume Japanese: 活目 | Emperor Suinin Japanese: 垂仁天皇 | 29 BC–AD 70 | 69 BC–AD 70 Son of Emperor Sujin. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōtarashihiko Japanese: 大足彦 | Emperor Keikō Japanese: 景行天皇 | 71–130 | 13 BC–AD 130 Son of Emperor Suinin. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Wakatarashihiko Japanese: 稚足彦 | Emperor Seimu Japanese: 成務天皇 | 131–190 | 84–190 Son of Emperor Keikō. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Tarashinakatsuhiko Japanese: 足仲彦 | Emperor Chūai Japanese: 仲哀天皇 | 192–200 | 149–200 Grandson of Emperor Keikō; nephew of Emperor 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. | |||
| Okinagatarashi Japanese: 息長帯比売 | Empress Jingū Japanese: 神功皇后 | 201–269 | 170–269 Wife of Emperor Chūai; mother and regent of Emperor Ōjin. Not counted among the officially numbered emperors. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Homutawake Japanese: 誉田別 | Emperor Ōjin Japanese: 応神天皇 | 270–310 | 201–310 Son of Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū. Deified in Shinto and Buddhism in Japan as Hachiman. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ohosazaki Japanese: 大鷦鷯 | Emperor Nintoku Japanese: 仁徳天皇 | 313–399 | 290–399 Son of Emperor Ōjin. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōenoizahowake Japanese: 大兄去来穂別 | Emperor Richū Japanese: 履中天皇 | 400–405 | 336–405 Son of Emperor Nintoku. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Mizuhawake Japanese: 瑞歯別 | Emperor Hanzei Japanese: 反正天皇 | 406–410 | 352–411 Son of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Oasatsuma Wakugo no Sukune Japanese: 雄朝津間稚子宿禰 | Emperor Ingyō Japanese: 允恭天皇 | 411–453 | 376–453 Son of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū and Emperor Hanzei. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Anaho Japanese: 穴穂 | Emperor Ankō Japanese: 安康天皇 | 453–456 | 401–456 Son of Emperor Ingyō. Assassinated by Prince Mayowa. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ōhatuse no Wakatakeru Japanese: 大泊瀬稚武 | Emperor Yūryaku Japanese: 雄略天皇 | 456–479 | 418–479 Son of Emperor Ingyō; younger brother of Emperor Ankō. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Shiraka Japanese: 白髪 | Emperor Seinei Japanese: 清寧天皇 | 480–484 | 444–484 Son of Emperor Yūryaku. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Woke Japanese: 弘計 | Emperor Kenzō Japanese: 顕宗天皇 | 485–487 | 450–487 Grandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Oke Japanese: 億計 | Emperor Ninken Japanese: 仁賢天皇 | 488–498 | 448–498 Grandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei; older brother of Emperor Kenzō. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ohatsuse no Wakasazaki Japanese: 小泊瀬稚鷦鷯 | Emperor Buretsu Japanese: 武烈天皇 | 499–506 | 489–506 Son of Emperor Ninken. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Ohodo Japanese: 袁本杼 | Emperor Keitai Japanese: 継体天皇 | 507–531 | 450–531 5th-generation grandson of Emperor Ōjin. Became emperor at the recommendation of Ōtomo no Kanamura. Possible founder of a new dynasty. Presumed legendary.[7] | |||
| Magari Japanese: 勾 | Emperor Ankan Japanese: 安閑天皇 | 534–535 | 466–535 Son of Emperor Keitai. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Hinokuma-no-takata Japanese: 檜隈高田 | Emperor Senka Japanese: 宣化天皇 | 536–539 | 467–539 Son of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Emperor Ankan. Presumed legendary. | |||
| Amekunioshiharakihironiwa Japanese: 天国排開広庭 | Emperor Kinmei Japanese: 欽明天皇 | 540–571 | 509–571 Son of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Emperor Ankan and Emperor Senka. First historically verifiable emperor.[8] | |||
| Nunakura no Futotamashiki Japanese: 渟中倉太珠敷 | Emperor Bidatsu Japanese: 敏達天皇 | 572–586 | 538–585 Son of Emperor Kinmei. | |||
| Tachibana no Toyohi Japanese: 橘豊日 | Emperor Yōmei Japanese: 用明天皇 | 586–588 | 517–587 Son of Emperor Kinmei; half-brother of Emperor Bidatsu. | |||
| Hatsusebe Japanese: 泊瀬部 | Emperor Sushun Japanese: 崇峻天皇 | 588–593 | 522–592 Son 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. | |||
| Nukatabe Japanese: 額田部 | Empress Suiko Japanese: 推古天皇 | 593–629 | 554–628 Daughter of Emperor Kinmei; half-sister and wife of Emperor Bidatsu. First non-legendary female monarch. Prince Shōtoku acted as her regent. | |||
| Tamura Japanese: 田村 | Emperor Jomei Japanese: 舒明天皇 | 629–642 | 593–641 Grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; great nephew of Empress Suiko. | |||
| Takara Japanese: 宝 | Empress Kōgyoku Japanese: 皇極天皇 | 642–645 | 594–661 Great-granddaughter of Emperor Bidatsu; wife of Emperor Jomei. First reign. Abdicated as a result of the Isshi incident. | |||
| Karu Japanese: 軽 | Emperor Kōtoku Japanese: 孝徳天皇 | 645–655 Taika, Hakuchi | 597–654 Great-grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; younger brother of Empress Kōgyoku. First era name assigned. | |||
| Takara Japanese: 宝 | Empress Saimei Japanese: 斉明天皇 | 655–662 | 594–661 Older sister of Emperor Kōtoku. Previously reigned as Empress Kōgyoku. Second reign. | |||
| Kazuraki Japanese: 葛城 | Emperor Tenji Japanese: 天智天皇 | 662–672 | 626–672 Son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku. | |||
| Ōtomo Japanese: 大友 | Emperor Kōbun Japanese: 弘文天皇 | 672 | 648–672 Son of Emperor Tenji. Deposed and committed suicide during the Jinshin War. Not recognized as emperor until 1870. | |||
| Ōama Japanese: 大海人 | Emperor Tenmu Japanese: 天武天皇 | 672–687 Shuchō | 622–686 Son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku; younger brother of Emperor Tenji. Deposed his nephew, Emperor Kōbun, during the Jinshin War. | |||
| Unonosarara Japanese: 鸕野讚良 | Empress Jitō Japanese: 持統天皇 | 687–697 | 646–703 Daughter of Emperor Tenji; niece and wife of Emperor Tenmu. Abdicated. | |||
| Karu Japanese: 珂瑠 | Emperor Monmu Japanese: 文武天皇 | 697–707 Taihō, Keiun | 683–707 Grandson of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. | |||
| Ahe Japanese: 阿閇 | Empress Genmei Japanese: 元明天皇 | 707–715 Keiun, Wadō | 660–721 Daughter of Emperor Tenji; half-sister of Empress Jitō; mother of Emperor Monmu. Abdicated. | |||
| Hidaka Japanese: 氷高 | Empress Genshō Japanese: 元正天皇 | 715–724 Reiki, Yōrō | 681–748 Daughter of Empress Genmei; elder sister of Emperor Monmu. Only instance of an empress regnant inheriting the throne from another empress regnant. Abdicated. | |||
| Obito Japanese: 首 | Emperor Shōmu Japanese: 聖武天皇 | 724–749 Jinki, Tenpyō, Tenpyō-kanpō | 699–756 Son of Emperor Monmu; nephew of Empress Genshō. Abdicated. | |||
| Abe Japanese: 阿倍 | Empress Kōken Japanese: 孝謙天皇 | 749–758 Tenpyō-kanpō, Tenpyō-shōhō, Tenpyō-hōji | 718–770 Daughter of Emperor Shōmu. First reign. Abdicated. | |||
| Ōi Japanese: 大炊 | Emperor Junnin Japanese: 淳仁天皇 | 758–764 Tenpyō-hōji | 733–765 Grandson of Emperor Tenmu; cousin of Empress Kōken. Deposed. Posthumously named emperor in 1870. | |||
| Abe Japanese: 阿倍 | Empress Shōtoku Japanese: 称徳天皇 | 764–770 Tenpyō-hōji, Tenpyō-jingo, Jingo-keiun | 718–770 Deposed her cousin, Emperor Junnin. Previously reigned as Empress Kōken. Second reign. | |||
| Shirakabe Japanese: 白壁 | Emperor Kōnin Japanese: 光仁天皇 | 770–781 Hōki, Ten'ō | 708–782 Grandson of Emperor Tenji; brother-in-law of Empress Shōtoku. Abdicated. | |||
| Yamabe Japanese: 山部 | Emperor Kanmu Japanese: 桓武天皇 | 781–806 Ten'ō, Enryaku | 736–806 Son of Emperor Kōnin. | |||
| Ate Japanese: 安殿 | Emperor Heizei Japanese: 平城天皇 | 806–809 Daidō | 773–824 Son of Emperor Kanmu. Abdicated. | |||
| Kamino Japanese: 神野 | Emperor Saga Japanese: 嵯峨天皇 | 809–823 Daidō, Kōnin | 785–842 Son of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei. Abdicated. | |||
| Ōtomo Japanese: 大伴 | Emperor Junna Japanese: 淳和天皇 | 823–833 Kōnin, Tenchō | 786–840 Son of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei and Emperor Saga. Abdicated. | |||
| Masara Japanese: 正良 | Emperor Ninmyō Japanese: 仁明天皇 | 833–850 Tenchō, Jōwa, Kashō | 808–850 Son of Emperor Saga; nephew and adopted son of Emperor Junna. | |||
| Michiyasu Japanese: 道康 | Emperor Montoku Japanese: 文徳天皇 | 850–858 Kashō, Ninju, Saikō, Ten'an | 827–858 Son of Emperor Ninmyō. | |||
| Korehito Japanese: 惟仁 | Emperor Seiwa Japanese: 清和天皇 | 858–876 Ten'an, Jōgan | 850–881 Son of Empereor Montoku. Abdicated. | |||
| Sadaakira Japanese: 貞明 | Emperor Yōzei Japanese: 陽成天皇 | 876–884 Jōgan, Gangyō | 869–949 Son of Emperor Seiwa. Deposed by Fujiwara no Mototsune. | |||
| Tokiyasu Japanese: 時康 | Emperor Kōkō Japanese: 光孝天皇 | 884–887 Gangyō, Ninna | 830–887 Son of Emperor Ninmyō; great uncle of Emperor Yōzei. Became emperor at the recommendation of Fujiwara no Mototsune. | |||
| Sadami Japanese: 定省 | Emperor Uda Japanese: 宇多天皇 | 887–897 Ninna, Kanpyō | 866–931 Son of Emperor Kōkō. Abdicated. | |||
| Atsuhito Japanese: 敦仁 | Emperor Daigo Japanese: 醍醐天皇 | 897–930 Kanpyō, Shōtai, Engi, Enchō | 884–930 Son of Emperor Uda. Abdicated. | |||
| Yutaakira Japanese: 寛明 | Emperor Suzaku Japanese: 朱雀天皇 | 930–946 Enchō, Jōhei, Tengyō | 921–952 Son of Emperor Daigo. Abdicated. | |||
| Nariakira Japanese: 成明 | Emperor Murakami Japanese: 村上天皇 | 946–967 Tengyō, Tenryaku, Tentoku, Ōwa, Kōhō | 924–967 Son of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku. | |||
| Norihara Japanese: 憲平 | Emperor Reizei Japanese: 冷泉天皇 | 967–969 Kōhō, Anna | 949–1011 Son of Emperor Murakami. Abdicated. | |||
| Morihira Japanese: 守平 | Emperor En'yū Japanese: 円融天皇 | 969–984 Anna, Tenroku, Ten'en, Jōgen, Tengen, Eikan | 958–991 Son of Emperor Murakami; younger brother of Emperor Reizei. Abdicated. | |||
| Morosada Japanese: 師貞 | Emperor Kazan Japanese: 花山天皇 | 984–986 Eikan, Kanna | 968–1008 Son of Emperor Reizei; nephew of Emperor En'yū. Abdicated. | |||
| Kanehito Japanese: 懐仁 | Emperor Ichijō Japanese: 一条天皇 | 986–1011 Kanna, Eien, Eiso, Shōryaku, Chōtoku, Chōhō, Kankō | 980–1011 Son of Emperor Emperor En'yū. Abdicated. | |||
| Okisada Japanese: 居貞 | Emperor Sanjō Japanese: 三条天皇 | 1011–1016 Kankō, Chōwa | 975–1017 Son of Emperor Reizei; half-brother of Emperor Kazan; cousin of Emperor Ichijō. Abdicated. | |||
| Atsuhira Japanese: 敦成 | Emperor Go-Ichijō Japanese: 後一条天皇 | 1016–1036 Chōwa, Kannin, Jian, Manju, Chōgen | 1008–1036 Son of Emperor Ichijō; cousin of Emperor Sanjō. | |||
| Atsunaga Japanese: 敦良 | Emperor Go-Suzaku Japanese: 後朱雀天皇 | 1036–1045 Chōgen, Chōryaku, Chōkyū, Kantoku | 1009–1045 Son of Emperor Ichijō; younger brother of Emperor Go-Ichijō. Abdicated. | |||
| Chikahito Japanese: 親仁 | Emperor Go-Reizei Japanese: 後冷泉天皇 | 1045–1068 Kantoku, Eishō, Tengi, Kōhei, Jiryaku | 1025–1068 Son of Emperor Go-Suzaku. | |||
| Takahito Japanese: 尊仁 | Emperor Go-Sanjō Japanese: 後三条天皇 | 1068–1073 Jiryaku, Enkyū | 1032–1073 Son of Emperor Go-Suzaku; half-brother of Emperor Go-Reizei. Abdicated. | |||
| Sadahito Japanese: 貞仁 | Emperor Shirakawa Japanese: 白河天皇 | 1073–1087 Enkyū, Jōhō, Jōryaku, Eihō, Ōtoku | 1053–1129 Son of Emperor Go-Sanjō. Abdicated. | |||
| Taruhito Japanese: 善仁 | Emperor Horikawa Japanese: 堀河天皇 | 1087–1107 Kanji, Kahō, Eichō, Jōtoku, Kōwa, Chōji, Kajō | 1079–1107 Son of Emperor Shirakawa. | |||
| Munehito Japanese: 宗仁 | Emperor Toba Japanese: 鳥羽天皇 | 1107–1123 Kajō, Tennin, Ten'ei, Eikyū, Gen'ei, Hōan | 1103–1156 Son of Emperor Horikawa. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Shirakawa. | |||
| Akihito Japanese: 顕仁 | Emperor Sutoku Japanese: 崇徳天皇 | 1123–1142 Hōan, Tenji, Daiji, Tenshō, Chōshō, Hōen, Eiji | 1119–1164 Son of Emperor Toba. Abdicated. Attempted to depose Emperor Go-Shirakawa during the Hōgen rebellion. | |||
| Narihito Japanese: 体仁 | Emperor Konoe Japanese: 近衛天皇 | 1142–1155 Eiji, Kōji, Ten'yō, Kyūan, Ninpei, Kyūju | 1139–1155 Son of Emperor Toba; half-brother of Emperor Sutoku. | |||
| Masahito Japanese: 雅仁 | Emperor Go-Shirakawa Japanese: 後白河天皇 | 1155–1158 Kyūju, Hōgen | 1127–1192 Son of Emperor Toba; younger brother of Emperor Sutoku; half-brother of Emperor Konoe. Abdicated. | |||
| Morihito Japanese: 守仁 | Emperor Nijō Japanese: 二条天皇 | 1158–1165 Hōgen, Heiji, Eiryaku, Ōhō, Chōkan | 1143–1165 Son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Abdicated. | |||
| Nobuhito Japanese: 順仁 | Emperor Rokujō Japanese: 六条天皇 | 1165–1168 Chōkan, Eiman, Nin'an | 1164–1176 Son of Emperor Nijō. Deposed by Emperor Go-Shirakawa. | |||
| Norihito Japanese: 憲仁 | Emperor Takakura Japanese: 高倉天皇 | 1168–1180 Nin'an, Kaō, Jōan, Angen, Jishō | 1161–1181 Son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa; half-brother of Emperor Nijō; uncle of Emperor Rokujō. Forced to abdicate by Taira no Kiyomori. | |||
| Tokihito Japanese: 言仁 | Emperor Antoku Japanese: 安徳天皇 | 1180–1185 Jishō, Yōwa, Juei, Genryaku | 1178–1185 Son of Emperor Takakura. Died at the Battle of Dan-no-ura during the Genpei War. | |||
| Takahira Japanese: 尊成 | Emperor Go-Toba Japanese: 後鳥羽天皇 | 1183–1198 Juei, Genryaku, Bunji, Kenkyū | 1180–1239 Son 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. | |||
| Tamehito Japanese: 為仁 | Emperor Tsuchimikado Japanese: 土御門天皇 | 1198–1210 Kenkyū, Shōji, Kennin, Genkyū, Ken'ei, Jōgen | 1196–1231 Son of Emperor Go-Toba. Persuaded by Emperor Go-Toba to abdicate. Exiled following the Jōkyū War. | |||
| Morinari Japanese: 守成 | Emperor Juntoku Japanese: 順徳天皇 | 1210–1221 Jōgen, Kenryaku, Kempo, Jōkyū | 1197–1242 Son of Emperor Go-Toba; half-brother of Emperor Tsuchimikado. Forced to abdicate following the Jōkyū War. | |||
| Kanenari Japanese: 懐成 | Emperor Chūkyō Japanese: 仲恭天皇 | 1221 Jōkyū | 1218–1234 Son of Emperor Juntoku. Deposed and exiled following the Jōkyū War. Posthumously named emperor in 1870. | |||
| Yutahito Japanese: 茂仁 | Emperor Go-Horikawa Japanese: 後堀河天皇 | 1221–1232 Jōkyū, Jōō, Gennin, Karoku, Antei, Kangi, Jōei | 1212–1234 Grandson of Emperor Takakura; first cousin of Emperor Chūkyō. Abdicated. | |||
| Mitsuhito Japanese: 秀仁 | Emperor Shijō Japanese: 四条天皇 | 1232–1242 Jōei, Tenpuku, Bunryaku, Katei, Ryakunin, En'ō, Ninji | 1231–1242 Son of Emperor Go-Horikawa. | |||
| Kunihito Japanese: 邦仁 | Emperor Go-Saga Japanese: 後嵯峨天皇 | 1242–1246 Ninji, Kangen | 1220–1272 Son of Emperor Tsuchimikado; second cousin of Emperor Shijō. Abdicated. | |||
| Hisahito Japanese: 久仁 | Emperor Go-Fukakusa Japanese: 後深草天皇 | 1246–1260 Kangen, Hōji, Kenchō, Kōgen, Shōka, Shōgen | 1243–1304 Son of Emperor Go-Saga. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated at the insistence of Emperor Go-Saga. | |||
| Tsunehito Japanese: 恒仁 | Emperor Kameyama Japanese: 亀山天皇 | 1260–1274 Shōgen, Bun'ō, Kōchō, Bun'ei | 1249–1305 Son of Emperor Go-Saga; younger brother of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Daikakuji line. Abdicated. | |||
| Yohito Japanese: 世仁 | Emperor Go-Uda Japanese: 後宇多天皇 | 1274–1287 Bun'ei, Kenji, Kōan | 1267–1324 Son of Emperor Kameyama. From the Daikakuji line. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Go-Fukakusa. | |||
| Hirohito Japanese: 熈仁 | Emperor Fushimi Japanese: 伏見天皇 | 1287–1298 Kōan, Shōō, Einin | 1265–1317 Son of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated. | |||
| Tanehito Japanese: 胤仁 | Emperor Go-Fushimi Japanese: 後伏見天皇 | 1298–1301 Einin, Shōan | 1288–1336 Son of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Forced to abdicate by the Daikakuji line. Traditional dates used. | |||
| Kuniharu Japanese: 邦治 | Emperor Go-Nijō Japanese: 後二条天皇 | 1301–1308 Shōan, Kengen, Kagen, Tokuji | 1285–1308 Son of Emperor Go-Uda. From the Daikakuji line. | |||
| Tomihito Japanese: 富仁 | Emperor Hanazono Japanese: 花園天皇 | 1308–1318 Enkyō, Ōchō, Shōwa, Bunpō | 1297–1348 Son of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Agreed to alternate control of the throne between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin lines. | |||
| Takaharu Japanese: 尊治 | Emperor Go-Daigo Japanese: 後醍醐天皇 | 1318–1339 Bunpō, Gen'ō, Genkō (1321–24), Shōchū, Karyaku, Gentoku, Genkō (1331–34), Kenmu, Engen | 1288–1339 Son 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. | |||
| Noriyoshi Japanese: 義良 | Emperor Go-Murakami Japanese: 後村上天皇 | 1339–1368 Engen, Kōkoku, Shōhei | 1328–1368 Son of Emperor Go-Daigo. Second emperor of the Southern Court. Southern Court briefly took the Northern Court's capital, Kyoto, during the Kannō disturbance. | |||
| Yutanari Japanese: 寛成 | Emperor Chōkei Japanese: 長慶天皇 | 1368–1383 Shōhei, Kentoku, Bunchū, Tenju, Kōwa | 1343–1394 Son of Emperor Go-Murakami. Third emperor of the Southern Court. Abdicated. | |||
| Hironari Japanese: 熙成 | Emperor Go-Kameyama Japanese: 後亀山天皇 | 1383–1392 Kōwa, Genchū | 1347–1424 Son 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. | |||
| (1) | Kazuhito Japanese: 量仁 | Emperor Kōgon Japanese: 光厳天皇 | 1331–1333 Gentoku, Shōkyō | 1313–1364 Son 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. | ||
| (2) | Yutahito Japanese: 豊仁 | Emperor Kōmyō Japanese: 光明天皇 | 1336–1348 Kenmu, Ryakuō, Kōei, Jōwa | 1322–1380 Son 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. | ||
| (3) | Okihito Japanese: 興仁 | Emperor Sukō Japanese: 崇光天皇 | 1348–1351 Jōwa, Kannō | 1334–1398 Son of Emperor Kōgon; nephew of Emperor Kōmyō. Third emperor of the Northern Court. Abdicated. Captured by the Southern Court during the Kannō disturbance. | ||
| (4) | Iyahito Japanese: 彌仁 | Emperor Go-Kōgon Japanese: 後光厳天皇 | 1352–1371 Bunna, Kōan, Jōji, Ōan | 1338–1374 Son of Emperor Kōgon; younger brother of Emperor Sukō. Became the fourth Emperor of the Northern Court after the Kannō disturbance. Abdicated. | ||
| (5) | Ohito Japanese: 緒仁 | Emperor Go-En'yū Japanese: 後円融天皇 | 1371–1382 Ōan, Eiwa, Kōryaku, Eitoku | 1359–1393 Son of Emperor Go-Kōgon. Fifth emperor of the Northern Court. Abdicated in favor of Emperor Go-Komatsu. | ||
| (6) | Motohito Japanese: 幹仁 | Emperor Go-Komatsu Japanese: 後小松天皇 | 1382–1392 Eitoku, Shitoku, Kakei, Kōō, Meitoku | 1377–1433 Son 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. | ||
| 100 | 1392–1412 Meitoku, Ōei | |||||
| Mihito Japanese: 実仁 | Emperor Shōkō Japanese: 称光天皇 | 1412–1428 Ōei, Shōchō | 1401–1428 Son of Emperor Go-Komatsu. | |||
| Hikohito Japanese: 彦仁 | Emperor Go-Hanazono Japanese: 後花園天皇 | 1428–1464 Shōchō, Eikyō, Kakitsu, Bun'an, Hōtoku, Kyōtoku, Kōshō, Chōroku, Kanshō | 1419–1471 Great-grandson of Northern Emperor Sukō; third cousin of Emperor Shōkō. Abdicated. Traditional dates used. | |||
| Fusahito Japanese: 成仁 | Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado Japanese: 後土御門天皇 | 1464–1500 Kanshō, Bunshō, Ōnin, Bunmei, Chōkyō, Entoku, Meiō | 1442–1500 Son of Emperor Go-Hanazono. Ōnin War led to the start of the Sengoku period. | |||
| Katsuhito Japanese: 勝仁 | Emperor Go-Kashiwabara Japanese: 後柏原天皇 | 1500–1526 Meiō, Bunki, Daiei | 1462–1526 Son of Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. Imperial rule in the Ashikaga shogunate reached its lowest point in his reign. | |||
| Tomohito Japanese: 知仁 | Emperor Go-Nara Japanese: 後奈良天皇 | 1526–1557 Daiei, Kyōroku, Tenbun, Kōji | 1495–1557 Son of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara. | |||
| Michihito Japanese: 方仁 | Emperor Ōgimachi Japanese: 正親町天皇 | 1557–1586 Kōji, Eiroku, Genki, Tenshō | 1517–1593 Son of Emperor Go-Nara. Ashikaga shogunate overthrown by Oda Nobunaga. Abdicated. | |||
| Katahito Japanese: 周仁 | Emperor Go-Yōzei Japanese: 後陽成天皇 | 1586–1611 Tenshō, Bunroku, Keichō | 1571–1617 Grandson of Emperor Ōgimachi. Tokugawa shogunate established. Sengoku period ended. | |||
| Kotohito Japanese: 政仁 | Emperor Go-Mizunoo Japanese: 後水尾天皇 | 1611–1629 Keichō, Genna, Kan'ei | 1596–1680 Son of Emperor Go-Yōzei. Japan implements isolationist policy. Purple Robe Incident led to his abdication. | |||
| Okiko Japanese: 興子 | Empress Meishō Japanese: 明正天皇 | 1629–1643 Kan'ei | 1624–1696 Daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated. | |||
| Tsuguhito Japanese: 紹仁 | Emperor Go-Kōmyō Japanese: 後光明天皇 | 1643–1654 Kan'ei, Shōhō, Keian, Jōō | 1633–1654 Son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger brother of Empress Meishō. | |||
| Nagahito Japanese: 良仁 | Emperor Go-Sai Japanese: 後西天皇 | 1655–1663 Jōō, Meireki, Manji, Kanbun | 1638–1685 Son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger half-brother of Empress Meishō and Emperor Go-Kōmyō. Abdicated. | |||
| Satohito Japanese: 識仁 | Emperor Reigen Japanese: 霊元天皇 | 1663–1687 Kanbun, Enpō, Tenna, Jōkyō | 1654–1732 Son of Emperor Go-Sai. Abdicated. | |||
| Asahito Japanese: 朝仁 | Emperor Higashiyama Japanese: 東山天皇 | 1687–1709 Jōkyō, Genroku, Hōei | 1675–1710 Son of Emperor Reigen. Abdicated. | |||
| Yasuhito Japanese: 慶仁 | Emperor Nakamikado Japanese: 中御門天皇 | 1709–1735 Hōei, Shōtoku, Kyōhō | 1702–1737 Son of Emperor Higashiyama. Abdicated. | |||
| Teruhito Japanese: 昭仁 | Emperor Sakuramachi Japanese: 桜町天皇 | 1735–1747 Kyōhō, Genbun, Kanpō, Enkyō | 1720–1750 Son of Emperor Nakamikado. Abdicated. | |||
| Tōhito Japanese: 遐仁 | Emperor Momozono Japanese: 桃園天皇 | 1747–1762 Enkyō, Kan'en, Hōreki | 1741–1762 Son of Emperor Sakuramachi. Abdicated. | |||
| Toshiko Japanese: 智子 | Empress Go-Sakuramachi Japanese: 後桜町天皇 | 1762–1771 Hōreki, Meiwa | 1740–1813 Daughter of Emperor Sakuramachi; younger sister of Emperor Momozono. | |||
| Hidehito Japanese: 英仁 | Emperor Go-Momozono Japanese: 後桃園天皇 | 1771–1779 Meiwa, An'ei | 1758–1779 Son of Emperor Momozono; nephew of Empress Go-Sakuramachi. | |||
| Morohito Japanese: 師仁 | Emperor Kōkaku Japanese: 光格天皇 | 1780–1817 An'ei, Tenmei, Kansei, Kyōwa, Bunka | 1771–1840 Great-grandson of Emperor Higashiyama; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Go-Momozono. Abdicated. | |||
| Ayahito Japanese: 恵仁 | Emperor Ninkō Japanese: 仁孝天皇 | 1817–1846 Bunka, Bunsei, Tenpō, Kōka | 1800–1846 Son of Emperor Kōkaku. | |||
| Osahito Japanese: 統仁 | Emperor Kōmei Japanese: 孝明天皇 | 1846–1867 Kōka, Kaei, Ansei, Man'en, Bunkyū, Genji, Keiō | 1831–1867 Son 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. | |||
| Mutsuhito Japanese: 睦仁 | Emperor Meiji Japanese: 明治天皇 | 3 February 1867 – 30 July 1912 Keiō, Meiji | 3 November 1852 – 30 July 1912 Son of Emperor Kōmei. Ended the Tokugawa Shogunate with the Meiji Restoration (3 January 1868). First emperor of the Empire of Japan.[9] | |||
| Yoshihito Japanese: 嘉仁 | Emperor Taishō Japanese: 大正天皇 | 30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926 Taishō | 31 August 1879 – 25 December 1926 Son 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 (Japanese: 摂政; "Regent") from 1921 to 1926 because of Taishō's illness. | |||
| Hirohito Japanese: 裕仁 | Emperor Shōwa Japanese: 昭和天皇 | 25 December 1926 – 7 January 1989 Shōwa | 29 April 1901 – 7 January 1989 Son 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 in Japanese history. | |||
| Akihito Japanese: 明仁 | (Living) | 7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 Heisei | born 23 December 1933 Son of Emperor Shōwa. Abdicated and later referred to as (Japanese: 上皇;). Longest living verifiable emperor. | |||
| Naruhito Japanese: 徳仁 | (Living) | 1 May 2019 – present Reiwa | born 23 February 1960 Son of Akihito. Referred to as (; "the Reigning Emperor") or (; "His Majesty the Emperor").[10] |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Kusakabe Japanese: 草壁皇子 | Emperor Oka Japanese: 岡宮天皇 | 759 | 662–689 Son 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.[11] [12] | ||
| Prince Toneri Japanese: 舎人親王 | Emperor Sudōjinkei Japanese: 崇道尽敬皇帝 | 759 | 676–735 Son of Emperor Tenmu; half-brother of Prince Kusakabe; father of Emperor Junnin.[13] | ||
| Prince Shiki Japanese: 志貴皇子 | Emperor Kasuga Japanese: 春日宮天皇 | 770 | died 716Son 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.[14] | ||
| Prince Sawara Japanese: 早良親王 | Emperor Sudō Japanese: 崇道天皇 | 800 | 750–785 Son 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.[15] [16] | ||
| Prince Masahito Japanese: 誠仁親王 | Cloistered Emperor Yōkō Japanese: 陽光院 | Unknown | 1552–1586 Son of Emperor Emperor Ōgimachi; father of Emperor Go-Yōzei. Posthumously recognized as emperor by Emperor Go-Yōzei.[17] | ||
| Sukehito, Prince Kan'in Japanese: 閑院宮典仁親王 | Emperor Kyōkō Japanese: 慶光天皇 | 1884 | 1733–1794 Grandson of Emperor Higashiyama; father of Emperor Kōkaku.[18] [19] |