List of Emperors of Japan
Encyclopedia
The following is a traditional list of Emperors of Japan
. Dates for the first 28 emperors, and especially the first 16, are based on the Japanese Calendar
system. It is unlikely that the state of Japan was actually founded in 660 BC; see also Asuka period
, Himiko. A list of other Japanese calling themselves or being called emperors (追尊天皇, 尊称天皇, 異説に天皇とされる者, 天皇に準ずる者, 自称天皇) can be seen in the Japanese wikipedia page 天皇の一覧 (List of Japanese monarchs).
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
. Dates for the first 28 emperors, and especially the first 16, are based on the Japanese Calendar
Japanese era name
The Japanese era calendar scheme is a common calendar scheme used in Japan, which identifies a year by the combination of the and the year number within the era...
system. It is unlikely that the state of Japan was actually founded in 660 BC; see also Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, Himiko. A list of other Japanese calling themselves or being called emperors (追尊天皇, 尊称天皇, 異説に天皇とされる者, 天皇に準ずる者, 自称天皇) can be seen in the Japanese wikipedia page 天皇の一覧 (List of Japanese monarchs).
Emperors of Japan (660 BC–Present)
# | Reign Reign A reign is the term used to describe the period of a person's or dynasty's occupation of the office of monarch of a nation or of a people . In most hereditary monarchies and some elective monarchies A reign is the term used to describe the period of a person's or dynasty's occupation of the office... |
Portrait | Posthumous name Posthumous name A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty, nobles, and sometimes others, in East Asia after the person's death, and is used almost exclusively instead of one's personal name or other official titles during his life... |
Personal name Japanese name in modern times usually consist of a family name , followed by a given name. "Middle names" are not generally used.Japanese names are usually written in kanji, which are characters of usually Chinese origin in Japanese pronunciation... (imina) |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Legendary Emperors | |||||
660 BC–585 BC | Emperor Jimmu Emperor Jimmu was the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto.... |
Kamuyamato Iwarebiko | Presumed Legendary; claimed descent from the sun goddess, Amaterasu Amaterasu , or is apart of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion. She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. the name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning "shining in heaven." The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is "the great August kami who... |
||
581 BC–549 BC | Emperor Suizei Emperor Suizei , sometimes romanized as Suisei and known as Kamu-nuna-kaha-mimi no mikoto; was the second emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
Kamu Nunagawamimi no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
549 BC–511 BC | Emperor Annei Emperor Annei ; also known as shikitsuhikotamatemi no Mikoto; was the third emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 549 to 511 B.C.... |
Shikitsuhiko Tamademi no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
510 BC–476 BC | Emperor Itoku Emperor Itoku ; also known as Ooyamatohikosukitomo no Mikoto; was the fourth emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 510 BC–476 BC He probably lived in the early 1st... |
Oho Yamatohiko Sukitomo no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
475 BC–393 BC | Emperor Kōshō Emperor Kosho ; also known as Mimatsuhikokaeshine no Mikoto; was the fifth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 475 to 393 BC, but he may have lived in the early... |
Mimatsuhiko Kaesine no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
392 BC–291 BC | Emperor Kōan Emperor Koan ; also known as Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito no Mikoto; was the sixth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 392 BC through 291 BC, but he may have... |
Oho Yamato Tarasihiko Kuniosi Hito no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
290 BC–215 BC | Emperor Kōrei Emperor Korei ; also known as Ooyamatonekohikofutoni no Mikoto; was the seventh emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 290 BC–215 BC, but he may have lived in the... |
Oho Yamato Nekohiko Futoni no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
214 BC–158 BC | Emperor Kōgen Emperor Kogen , also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern... |
Oho Yamato Nekohiko Kuni Kuru no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
157 BC–98 BC | Emperor Kaika Emperor Kaika ; also known as Wakayamatonekohikooobi no Mikoto; is the ninth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 157 BC–98 BC, but he may have lived in the... |
Waka Yamato Nekohiko Oho Bibino no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
97 BC–30 BC | Emperor Sujin Emperor Sujin ; also known as Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto; was the tenth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
Mimaki Irihiko Inie no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
29 BC–70 AD | Emperor Suinin Emperor Suinin ; also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi no Mikoto; was the 11th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 29 BC–AD 70.... |
Ikume Irihiko Isachi no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
71–130 | Emperor Keikō Emperor Keiko ; also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto, was the 12th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 71–130.-Legendary narrative:Keikō is... |
Oho Tarasihiko Osirowake no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
131–191 | Emperor Seimu Emperor Seimu ; also known as Wakatarashihiko no Sumeramikoto; was the 13th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 131–191.... |
Waka Tarasihiko | Presumed Legendary. | ||
192–200 | Emperor Chūai Emperor Chuai ; also known as Tarashinakatsuhiko no Sumeramikoto; was the 14th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 192–200.... |
Tarasi Nakatsuhiko no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary. | ||
201–269 | Empress Jingū | Okinaga Tarashihime no Mikoto | Presumed Legendary; interregnum. | ||
Kofun Period Kofun period The is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. It follows the Yayoi period. The word kofun is Japanese for the type of burial mounds dating from this era. The Kofun and the subsequent Asuka periods are sometimes referred to collectively as the Yamato period... |
|||||
270–310 | Emperor Ōjin Emperor Ojin , also known as Homutawake or , was the 15th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 270 to 310.... |
Fondano Miko no Mikoto / Otomowake no Mikoto / Humudawake no Mikoto | Last proto-historical emperor, deified as Hachiman Hachiman In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people... . |
||
313–399 | Emperor Nintoku Emperor Nintoku was the 16th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 313–399.-Legendary narrative:... |
Oho Sazaki no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
400–405 | Emperor Richū Emperor Richu was the 17th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 400–405.-Legendary narrative :... |
Isaho Wake no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
406–410 | Emperor Hanzei Emperor Hanzei , also known as Emperor Hanshō, was the 18th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 406 to 410.... |
Tajihi Mizuha Wake no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
411–453 | Emperor Ingyō Emperor Ingyo was the 19th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 411–453.-Legendary narrative:... |
Wo Asazuma Wakugo no Sukune | Inaccurate dates. | ||
453–456 | Emperor Ankō Emperor Anko was the 20th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 453–456.-Legendary narrative:... |
Anaho no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
456–479 | Emperor Yūryaku Emperor Yuryaku was the 21st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yūryaku is remembered as a patron of sericulture.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 456–479.... |
Oho Hatsuse Wakatakeru no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
480–484 | Emperor Seinei Emperor Seinei was the 22nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 480–484.-Legendary narrative:... |
Siraka Takehiro Kuni Osi Waka Yamato Neko no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
485–487 | Emperor Kenzō Emperor Kenzo , also spelled Ghen-so-tennō, was the 23rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 485–487.... |
Ohoke no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
488–498 | Emperor Ninken Emperor Ninken , also known as Ninken-okimi, was the 24th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 488–498.... |
Ohosi(Ohosu) no Mikoto/ Simano Iratsuko | Inaccurate dates. | ||
498–506 | Emperor Buretsu Emperor Buretsu was the 25th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 498–506.-Legendary narrative:... |
Wohatsuse Wakasazaki | Inaccurate dates. | ||
507–531 | Emperor Keitai Emperor Keitai , also known as Keitai-okimi, was the 26th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 507–531.... |
Ōto/Hikofuto (Hikofuto no Mikoto/Ōdo no Sumera Mikoto) | Possible founder of new dynasty. | ||
531–535 | Emperor Ankan Emperor Ankan was the 27th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 531–536.-Legendary narrative:... |
Hirokuni Oshitake Kanahi no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
535–539 | Emperor Senka Emperor Senka , also known as Senkwa, was the 28th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 536–539.-Legendary narrative:... |
Takeo Hirokuni Oshitate no Mikoto | Inaccurate dates. | ||
Asuka period Asuka period The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period... (592–710) |
|||||
539–571 | Emperor Kimmei Emperor Kimmei was the 29th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.His reign is said to have spanned the years from 539 through 571.-Traditional narrative:... |
Amekuni Oshiharuki Hironiwa no Sumera Mikoto | Traditional dates. | ||
572–585 | Emperor Bidatsu Emperor Bidatsu was the 30th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Bidastsu's reign spanned the years from 572 through 585.-Traditional narrative:Bidatsu was called in the Nihonshoki.... |
Osada no Nunakura no Futotamashiki no Mikoto | Traditional dates. | ||
585–587 | Emperor Yōmei Emperor Yomei was the 31st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōmei's reign spanned the years from 585 until his death in 587.-Traditional narrative:... |
Ooe/Tachibana no Toyohi no Sumera Mikoto | Traditional dates. | ||
587–592 | Emperor Sushun Emperor Sushun was the 32nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sushun's reign spanned the years from 587 through 592.-Traditional narrative:... |
Hatsusebe no (Wakasasagi) Mikoto | Traditional dates. | ||
592–628 | Empress Suiko Empress Suiko was the 33rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Suiko's reign spanned the years from 593 until her death in 628.... |
Nukatabe/Toyomike Kashikiyahime | First non-legendary female emperor (Prince Shotoku Prince Shotoku , also known as or , was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was a son of Emperor Yōmei and his younger half-sister Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. His parents were relatives of the ruling Soga clan, and was involved in the defeat... acted as her regent); traditional dates. |
||
629–641 | Emperor Jomei Emperor Jomei was the 34th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Jomei's reign spanned the years from 629 through 641.-Traditional narrative:Before Jomei's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or... |
Tamura (Oki Nagatarashihi Hironuka no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
642–645 | Empress Kōgyoku Empress Kogyoku , also known as , was the 35th and 37th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōgyoku's reign spanned the years from 642-645. Her reign as Saimei encompassed 655-661... |
Takara (Ame Toyotakaraikashi Hitarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates, reigned twice | ||
645–654 | Emperor Kōtoku Emperor Kotoku was the 36th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of his reign lasted from 645 through 654.-Traditional narrative:Before Kōtoku ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or... |
Karu (Ame Yorozu Toyohi no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
655–661 | Empress Saimei Empress Kogyoku , also known as , was the 35th and 37th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōgyoku's reign spanned the years from 642-645. Her reign as Saimei encompassed 655-661... |
Takara (Ame Toyotakaraikashi Hitarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto) | Second reign of Empress Kōgyoku (35), traditional dates. | ||
661–672 | Emperor Tenji Emperor Tenji , also known as Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Tenji's reign spanned the years from 661 through 671.-Traditional narrative:... |
Katsuragi/Nakano-ooe (Ame Mikoto Hirakasuwake no Mikoto/Amatsu Mikoto Sakiwake no Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
672 | Emperor Kōbun Emperor Kobun was the 39th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōbun's reign lasted only a few months in 671–672.-Traditional narrative:... |
Ōtomo | Posthumously named (1870), usurped by Temmu | ||
672–686 | Emperor Temmu Emperor Temmu was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:... |
Ōama/Ohoshiama/Ōsama (Ame no Nunahara Oki no Mahito no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
686–697 | Empress Jitō Empress Jito was the 41st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were Suiko and Kōgyoku/Saimei... |
Unonosarara (Takama no Harahiro no Hime no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
697–707 | Emperor Mommu Emperor Mommu was the 42nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Mommu's reign spanned the years from 697 through 707.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Karu-shinnō.... |
Karu (Ame no Mamune Toyoohoji no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
707–715 | Empress Gemmei Empress Gemmei , also known as Empress Genmyō, was the 43rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Gemmei's reign spanned the years 707 through 715.... |
Ahe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Mishiro Toyokuni Narihime no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
Nara Period Nara period The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784... (710–794) |
|||||
707–715 | Empress Gemmei Empress Gemmei , also known as Empress Genmyō, was the 43rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Gemmei's reign spanned the years 707 through 715.... |
Ahe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Mishiro Toyokuni Narihime no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
715–724 | Empress Genshō Empress Gensho was the 44th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Genshō's reign spanned the years 715 through 724.In the history of Japan, Genshō was the fifth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The four female monarchs before Genshō were: Suiko, Kōgyoku/Saimei,... |
Hidaka/Niinomi (Yamatoneko Takamizu Kiyotarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
724–749 | Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shomu was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 723.-Traditional narrative:... |
Obito (Ameshirushi Kunioshiharuki Toyosakurahiko no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
749–758 | Empress Kōken Empress Koken , also known as , was the 46th and the 48th emperor of Japan respectively, according to the traditional order of succession. Empress Kōken first reigned from 749 to 758, then she reascended the throne as Empress Shōtoku from 765 until her death in 770.... |
Abe (Yamatoneko no Sumera Mikoto) | Traditional dates, reigned twice | ||
758–764 | Emperor Junnin Emperor Junnin was the 47th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Junnin's reign spanned the years 758 to 764.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Ōi-shinnō .... |
Ōi | Posthumously named (1870), dethroned by Shōtoku | ||
764–770 | Empress Shōtoku Empress Koken , also known as , was the 46th and the 48th emperor of Japan respectively, according to the traditional order of succession. Empress Kōken first reigned from 749 to 758, then she reascended the throne as Empress Shōtoku from 765 until her death in 770.... |
Abe (Yamatoneko no Sumera Mikoto) | Second reign of Empress Kōken (46), traditional dates. | ||
770–781 | Emperor Kōnin Emperor Konin was the 49th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōnin's reign lasted from 770 to 781.-Traditional narrative:The personal name of Emperor Kōnin was given was As a son of Imperial Prince Shiki and a grandson of Emperor Tenji., his formal style was Prince Shirakabe... |
Shirakabe (Amemune Takatsugi no Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
781–806 | Emperor Kammu Emperor Kammu was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne... |
Yamabe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Hitsugi Iyaderi no Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
Heian Period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... (794–1185) |
|||||
781–806 | Emperor Kammu Emperor Kammu was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne... |
Yamabe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Hitsugi Iyaderi no Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
806–809 | Emperor Heizei Emperor Heizei , also known as Heijō-tennō. was the 51st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Heizei's reign lasted from 806 to 809.-Traditional narrative:... |
Ate (Yamatoneko Ameoshikuni Takahiko no Mikoto) | Traditional dates. | ||
809–823 | Emperor Saga Emperor Saga was the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Saga's reign spanned the years from 809 through 823.-Traditional narrative:... |
Kamino | Traditional dates. | ||
823–833 | Emperor Junna Emperor Junna was the 53rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Junna reigned from 823 to 833.-Traditional narrative:Junna had six Empresses and Imperial consorts and 13 Imperial sons and daughters... |
Ōtomo | Traditional dates. | ||
833–850 | Emperor Ninmyō | Masara | Traditional dates. | ||
850–858 | Emperor Montoku Emperor Montoku was the 55th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of Montoku's spanned the years from 850 through 858.-Traditional narrative:... |
Michiyasu | Traditional dates. | ||
858–876 | Emperor Seiwa Emperor Seiwa was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.-Traditional narrative:... |
Korehito | Traditional dates. | ||
876–884 | Emperor Yōzei Emperor Yozei was the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sadaakira | Traditional dates. | ||
884–887 | Emperor Kōkō Emperor Koko was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of... |
Tokiyasu | Traditional dates. | ||
887–897 | Emperor Uda Emperor Uda was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.-Name and legacy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Chōjiin-tei.... |
Sadami | Traditional dates. | ||
897–930 | Emperor Daigo Emperor Daigo was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:... |
Atsuhito | Traditional dates. | ||
930–946 | Emperor Suzaku Emperor Suzaku was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.-Traditional narrative:... |
Yutaakira | Traditional dates. | ||
946–967 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
Nariakira | Traditional dates. | ||
967–969 | Emperor Reizei Emperor Reizei was the 63rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Reizei's reign spanned the years from 967 through 969.-Traditional narrative:... |
Norihira | Traditional dates. | ||
969–984 | Emperor En'yū Emperor En'yu was the 64th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.En'yū's reign spanned the years from 969 through 984.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Morihira-shinnō.... |
Morihira | Traditional dates. | ||
984–986 | Emperor Kazan Emperor Kazan was the 65th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kazan's reign spanned the years from 984 through 986.-Traditional narrative:... |
Morosada | Traditional dates. | ||
986–1011 | Emperor Ichijō Emperor Ichijo was the 66th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 986 to 1011.-Traditional narrative:Before he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Kanehito-shinnō.... |
Yasuhito/Kanehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1011–1016 | Emperor Sanjō Emperor Sanjo was the 67th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.-Traditional narrative:... |
Okisada/Iyasada | Traditional dates. | ||
1016–1036 | Emperor Go-Ichijō Emperor Go-Ichijo was the 68th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 1016 through 1036.This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Ichijō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Ichijō"... |
Atsuhira | Traditional dates. | ||
1036–1045 | Emperor Go-Suzaku Emperor Go-Suzaku was the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.This 11th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Suzaku and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the... |
Atsunaga/Atsuyoshi | Traditional dates. | ||
1045–1068 | Emperor Go-Reizei Emperor Go-Reizei was the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor... |
Chikahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1068–1073 | Emperor Go-Sanjō Emperor Go-Sanjo was the 71st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1068 through 1073.This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"... |
Takahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1073–1086 | Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa was the 72nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shirakawa's reign lasted from 1073 to 1087.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadahito-shinnō .... |
Sadahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1087–1107 | Emperor Horikawa Emperor Horikawa was the 73rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Horikawa's reign spanned the years from 1087 through 1107.-Traditional narrative:... |
Taruhito | Traditional dates. | ||
1107–1123 | Emperor Toba Emperor Toba was the 74th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Toba's reign spanned the years from 1107 through 1123.- Genealogy :... |
Munehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1123–1142 | Emperor Sutoku Emperor Sutoku was the 75th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sutoku's reign spanned the years from 1123 through 1142.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Akihito .... |
Akihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1142–1155 | Emperor Konoe Emperor Konoe was the 76th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Konoe's reign spanned the years from 1142 through 1155.-Genealogy:... |
Narihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1155–1158 | Emperor Go-Shirakawa Emperor Go-Shirakawa Emperor Go-Shirakawa was the 77th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Masahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1158–1165 | Emperor Nijō Emperor Nijo Emperor Nijō was the 78th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spaned the years from 1158 through 1165.- Genealogy :... |
Morihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1165–1168 | Emperor Rokujō Emperor Rokujo Emperor Rokujō was the 79th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1165 through 1168.-Genealogy:... |
Yorihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1168–1180 | Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura was the 80th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1168 through 1180.-Genealogy:... |
Norihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1180–1185 | Emperor Antoku Emperor Antoku Emperor Antoku was the 81st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1180 through 1185. During this time, the imperial family was involved in a bitter struggle between warring clans... |
Tokihito | Traditional dates. | ||
Kamakura Period Kamakura period The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.... (1185–1333) |
|||||
1183–1198 | Emperor Go-Toba Emperor Go-Toba was the 82nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1183 through 1198.... |
Takahira | Traditional dates. | ||
1198–1210 | Emperor Tsuchimikado Emperor Tsuchimikado was the 83rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Tsuchimikado's reign spanned the years from 1198 through 1210.-Genealogy:Before Tsuchimikado's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was .... |
Tamehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1210–1221 | Emperor Juntoku Emperor Juntoku was the 84th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1210 through 1221.-Genealogy:... |
Morihira/Morinari | Traditional dates. | ||
1221 | Emperor Chūkyō Emperor Chukyo was the 85th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned only months in 1221, and he was not officially listed amongst the emperors until 1870 because of doubts caused by the length of his reign... |
Kanehira/Kanenari | Pothumously named (1870). unthroned | ||
1221–1232 | Emperor Go-Horikawa Emperor Go-Horikawa was the 86th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years from 1221 through 1232.... |
Yutahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1232–1242 | Emperor Shijō Emperor Shijo was the 87th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years 1232 through 1242.-Genealogy:... |
Mitsuhito/Hidehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1242–1246 | Emperor Go-Saga Emperor Go-Saga Emperor Go-Saga was the 88th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Kunihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1246–1260 | Emperor Go-Fukakusa Emperor Go-Fukakusa was the 89th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years 1246 through 1260.... |
Hisahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1260–1274 | Emperor Kameyama Emperor Kameyama was the 90th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1259 through 1274.-Genealogy:... |
Tsunehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1274–1287 | Emperor Go-Uda Emperor Go-Uda Emperor Go-Uda was the 91st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Yohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1287–1298 | Emperor Fushimi Emperor Fushimi Emperor Fushimi was the 92nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Hirohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1298–1301 | Emperor Go-Fushimi Emperor Go-Fushimi Emperor Go-Fushimi was the 93rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Tanehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1301–1308 | Emperor Go-Nijō Emperor Go-Nijo Emperor Go-Nijō was the 94th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from March 3, 1301 until September 10, 1308... |
Kuniharu | Traditional dates. | ||
1308–1318 | Emperor Hanazono Emperor Hanazono Emperor Hanazono was the 95th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
Tomihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1318–1339 | Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
Takaharu | Traditional dates; Southern Court | ||
Northern Court (1333–1392) | |||||
1331–1333 | Emperor Kōgon Emperor Kōgon Emperor Kōgon was the 1st of Ashikaga Pretenders during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan... |
Kazuhito | |||
1336–1348 | Emperor Kōmyō Emperor Komyo was the 2nd of the Ashikaga Pretenders, although he was actually the first to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1336 through 1348.-Genealogy:... |
Yutahito | |||
1348–1351 | Emperor Sukō Emperor Suko ) was the third of Ashikaga Pretenders during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1348 through 1351.-Genealogy:... |
Okihito | |||
1351–1352 | Interregnum Interregnum An interregnum is a period of discontinuity or "gap" in a government, organization, or social order... |
||||
1352–1371 | Emperor Go-Kōgon Emperor Go-Kogon Emperor Go-Kōgon was the 4th of the Ashikaga Pretenders during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts... |
Iyahito | |||
1371–1382 | Emperor Go-En'yū Emperor Go-En'yu was the 5th of the Ashikaga Pretenders during the period of two courts. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1371 through 1382.... |
Ohito | |||
1382–1392 | Emperor Go-Komatsu Emperor Go-Komatsu Emperor Go-Komatsu was the 100th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is officially considered a pretender from May 24, 1382 to October 21, 1392, when Emperor Go-Kameyama abdicated... |
Motohito | Reunified courts in 1392, see 100 below | ||
Muromachi Period Muromachi period The is a division of Japanese history running from approximately 1336 to 1573. The period marks the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate, which was officially established in 1338 by the first Muromachi shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, two years after the brief Kemmu restoration of imperial... (1333–1573) |
|||||
1318–1339 | Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
Takaharu | Traditional dates; Southern Court | ||
1339–1368 | Emperor Go-Murakami Emperor Go-Murakami was the 97th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession, and a member of the Southern Court during the Nanboku-chō period of rival courts. He reigned from September 18, 1339 until March 29, 1368 . His personal name was... |
Norinaga/Noriyoshi | Southern Court | ||
1368–1383 | Emperor Chōkei Emperor Chokei Emperor Chōkei was the 98th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from 1368 through 1383... |
Yutanari | Southern Court | ||
1383–1392 | Emperor Go-Kameyama Emperor Go-Kameyama was the 99th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He ruled from 1383 to October 21, 1392, becoming the last Emperor of the Southern Court... |
Hironari | Southern Court | ||
1392–1412 | Emperor Go-Komatsu Emperor Go-Komatsu Emperor Go-Komatsu was the 100th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is officially considered a pretender from May 24, 1382 to October 21, 1392, when Emperor Go-Kameyama abdicated... |
Motohito | Reunified courts, see also entry in Northern Court section. | ||
1412–1428 | Emperor Shōkō Emperor Shoko Emperor Shōkō was the 101st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1412 through 1428.-Genealogy:... |
Mihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1428–1464 | Emperor Go-Hanazono Emperor Go-Hanazono was the 102nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1428 through] 1464.... |
Hikohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1464–1500 | Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado was the 103rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1464 through 1500.... |
Fusahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1500–1526 | Emperor Go-Kashiwabara Emperor Go-Kashiwabara Emperor Go-Kashiwabara was the 104th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from November 16, 1500 to May 19, 1526. His personal name was Katsuhito... |
Katsuhito | Traditional dates. | ||
1526–1557 | Emperor Go-Nara Emperor Go-Nara Emperor Go-Nara was the 105th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from June 9, 1526 until September 27, 1557, at the end of the Sengoku period. His personal name was Tomohito .-Genealogy:He was the second son of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara... |
Tomohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1557–1586 | Emperor Ōgimachi Emperor Ogimachi Emperor Ōgimachi was the 106th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from October 27, 1557 to December 17, 1586, corresponding to the transition between the Warring States Era and the Azuchi-Momoyama period... |
Michihito | Traditional dates. | ||
Azuchi-Momoyama Period Azuchi-Momoyama period The came at the end of the Warring States Period in Japan, when the political unification that preceded the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate took place. It spans the years from approximately 1573 to 1603, during which time Oda Nobunaga and his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, imposed order... (1573–1603) |
|||||
1557–1586 | Emperor Ōgimachi Emperor Ogimachi Emperor Ōgimachi was the 106th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from October 27, 1557 to December 17, 1586, corresponding to the transition between the Warring States Era and the Azuchi-Momoyama period... |
Michihito | Traditional dates. | ||
1586–1611 | Emperor Go-Yōzei Emperor Go-Yozei was the 107th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 1586 through 1611, corresponding to the transition between the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the Edo period.... |
Kazuhito/Katahito | Traditional dates. | ||
Edo Period Edo period The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate.... (1603–1868) |
|||||
1586–1611 | Emperor Go-Yōzei Emperor Go-Yozei was the 107th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 1586 through 1611, corresponding to the transition between the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the Edo period.... |
Kazuhito/Katahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1611–1629 | Emperor Go-Mizunoo Emperor Go-Mizunoo was the 108th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Mizunoo's reign spanned the years from 1611 through 1629.This 17th century sovereign was named after the 9th century Emperor Seiwa and , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he could be called the "Later... (Go-Minoo) |
Kotohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1629–1643 | Empress Meishō Empress Meisho was the 109th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Meishō's reign spanned the years from 1629 to 1643.In the history of Japan, Meishō was the seventh of eight women to become empress regnant. The six female monarchs who reigned before Meishō-tennō were Suiko, ... |
Okiko | Traditional dates. | ||
1643–1654 | Emperor Go-Kōmyō Emperor Go-Komyo was the 110th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Kōmyō's reign spanned the years from 1643 through 1654.This 17th century sovereign was named after the 14th century Nanboku-chō Emperor Kōmyō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he could be called... |
Tsuguhito | Traditional dates. | ||
1655–1663 | Emperor Go-Sai Emperor Go-Sai , also known as was the 111th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Sai's reign spanned the years from 1654 through 1663.... |
Nagahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1663–1687 | Emperor Reigen Emperor Reigen was the 112th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Reigen's reign spanned the years from 1663 through 1687.-Genealogy:... |
Satohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1687–1709 | Emperor Higashiyama Emperor Higashiyama was the 113th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Higashiyama's reign spanned the years from 1687 through 1709.-Genealogy:... |
Asahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1709–1735 | Emperor Nakamikado Emperor Nakamikado was the 114th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Nakamikado's reign spanned the years from 1709 through 1735.-Genealogy:... |
Yasuhito | Traditional dates. | ||
1735–1747 | Emperor Sakuramachi Emperor Sakuramachi was the 115th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sakuramachi's reign spanned the years from 1735 through 1747.-Genealogy:... |
Teruhito | Traditional dates. | ||
1747–1762 | Emperor Momozono Emperor Momozono was the 116th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Momazono's reign spanned the years from 1747 until his death in 1762.-Genealogy:... |
Toohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1762–1771 | Empress Go-Sakuramachi Empress Go-Sakuramachi was the 117th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Sakuramachi's reign spanned the years from 1762 through 1771.... |
Toshiko | Traditional dates. | ||
1771–1779 | Emperor Go-Momozono Emperor Go-Momozono was the 118th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Momozono's reign spanned the years from 1771 through his death in 1779.... |
Hidehito | Traditional dates. | ||
1780–1817 | Emperor Kōkaku Emperor Kokaku was the 119th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkaku's reign spanned the years from 1780 through 1817.-Genealogy:... |
Tomohito | Traditional dates. | ||
1817–1846 | Emperor Ninkō Emperor Ninko was the 120th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Ninkō's reign spanned the years from 1817 through 1846.-Genealogy:Before Ninkō's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was .... |
Ayahito | Traditional dates. | ||
1846–1867 | Emperor Kōmei Emperor Komei was the 121st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōmei's reign spanned the years from 1846 through 1867.-Genealogy:Before Kōmei's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was ;, his title was .... |
Osahito | |||
1867–1912 | Emperor Meiji Emperor Meiji The or was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession, reigning from 3 February 1867 until his death... |
Mutsuhito | First emperor of the Empire of Japan. | ||
Prewar Period Empire of Japan The Empire of Japan is the name of the state of Japan that existed from the Meiji Restoration on 3 January 1868 to the enactment of the post-World War II Constitution of... (1868–1945) |
|||||
1867–1912 | Emperor Meiji Emperor Meiji The or was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession, reigning from 3 February 1867 until his death... |
Mutsuhito | First emperor of the Empire of Japan. | ||
1912–1926 | Emperor Taishō Emperor Taishō The was the 123rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession, reigning from 30 July 1912, until his death in 1926.The Emperor’s personal name was . According to Japanese customs, the emperor has no name during his reign and is only called the Emperor... |
Yoshihito | Crown Prince Hirohito served as Sesshō Sessho and Kampaku In Japan, was a title given to a regent who was named to assist either a child emperor before his coming of age, or an empress. The was theoretically a sort of chief advisor for the emperor, but was the title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult emperor. During the Heian era,... (Prince Regent) 1921–1926. |
||
1926–1989 | Emperor Shōwa Hirohito , posthumously in Japan officially called Emperor Shōwa or , was the 124th Emperor of Japan according to the traditional order, reigning from December 25, 1926, until his death in 1989. Although better known outside of Japan by his personal name Hirohito, in Japan he is now referred to... |
Hirohito | Served as Sesshō (Prince Regent) 1921–1926. Last emperor of the Empire of Japan. | ||
Postwar Period Postwar Japan Postwar Japan refers to the period in Japanese history immediately following the end of World War II in 1945 to the present day. Before and during the war Japan was known as an empire but is now officially the .-Occupation and democratization:... (1945–Present) |
|||||
1926–1989 | Emperor Shōwa Hirohito , posthumously in Japan officially called Emperor Shōwa or , was the 124th Emperor of Japan according to the traditional order, reigning from December 25, 1926, until his death in 1989. Although better known outside of Japan by his personal name Hirohito, in Japan he is now referred to... |
Hirohito | Served as Sesshō (Prince Regent) 1921–1926. Last emperor of the Empire of Japan. | ||
1989–Present | see notes | Akihito Akihito is the current , the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan's traditional order of succession. He acceded to the throne in 1989.-Name:In Japan, the emperor is never referred to by his given name, but rather is referred to as "His Imperial Majesty the Emperor" which may be shortened to . In... |
Referred to as 'the Present Emperor' or Tenno Heika (i.e. His Majesty the Emperor) in Japanese and as Emperor Akihito in English. After his death, he will presumably be renamed Emperor Heisei Heisei is the current era name in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne... . |