List of emperors of Japan

Template:Short description 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. Emperor Kinmei (Template:Reign) is often considered the first historical emperor, 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. According to Chinese sources, the unification of Japan took place between the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

The terms Tennō ('Emperor', 天皇), as well as Nihon ('Japan', 日本), were not adopted until the late 7th century AD. 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		Hikohohodemi Template:Lang	Emperor Jimmu Template: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		Kamununakawamimi Template:Lang	Emperor Suizei Template:Lang	581–549 BC Template:Small	632–549 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Jimmu. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Shikitsuhikotamatemi Template:Lang	Emperor Annei Template:Lang	549–511 BC Template:Small	567–511 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Suizei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōyamatohikosukitomo Template:Lang	Emperor Itoku Template:Lang	510–477 BC Template:Small	553–477 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Annei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Mimatsuhikokaeshine Template:Lang	Emperor Kōshō Template:Lang	475–393 BC Template:Small	506–393 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Itoku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito Template:Lang	Emperor Kōan Template:Lang	392–291 BC Template:Small	427–291 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōshō. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōyamatonekohikofutoni Template:Lang	Emperor Kōrei Template:Lang	290–215 BC Template:Small	342–215 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōan. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōyamatonekohikokunikuru Template:Lang	Emperor Kōgen Template:Lang	214–158 BC Template:Small	273–158 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōrei. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi Template:Lang	Emperor Kaika Template:Lang	157–98 BC Template:Small	208–98 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōgen. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Mimaki Template:Lang	Emperor Sujin Template:Lang	97–30 BC Template:Small	148–30 BC Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kaika. First emperor with a direct possibility of existence. Still presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ikume Template:Lang	Emperor Suinin Template:Lang	29 BC–AD 70 Template:Small	69 BC–AD 70 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Sujin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōtarashihiko Template:Lang	Emperor Keikō Template:Lang	71–130 Template:Small	13 BC–AD 130 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Suinin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Wakatarashihiko Template:Lang	Emperor Seimu Template:Lang	131–190 Template:Small	84–190 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Keikō. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tarashinakatsuhiko Template:Lang	Emperor Chūai Template: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		Okinagatarashi Template:Lang	Empress Jingū Template: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		Homutawake Template:Lang	Emperor Ōjin Template: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.
Template:Sort		Ohosazaki Template:Lang	Emperor Nintoku Template:Lang	313–399 Template:Small	290–399 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ōjin. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōenoizahowake Template:Lang	Emperor Richū Template:Lang	400–405 Template:Small	336–405 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nintoku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Mizuhawake Template:Lang	Emperor Hanzei Template: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		Oasatsuma Wakugo no Sukune Template:Lang	Emperor Ingyō Template: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		Anaho Template:Lang	Emperor Ankō Template:Lang	453–456 Template:Small	401–456 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ingyō. Assassinated by Prince Mayowa. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōhatuse no Wakatakeru Template:Lang	Emperor Yūryaku Template: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		Shiraka Template:Lang	Emperor Seinei Template:Lang	480–484 Template:Small	444–484 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Yūryaku. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Woke Template:Lang	Emperor Kenzō Template: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		Oke Template:Lang	Emperor Ninken Template: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		Ohatsuse no Wakasazaki Template:Lang	Emperor Buretsu Template:Lang	499–506 Template:Small	489–506 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ninken. Presumed legendary.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		OhodoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Keitai Template: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.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Magari Template:Lang	Emperor Ankan Template: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		Hinokuma-no-takata Template:Lang	Emperor Senka Template: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		Amekunioshiharakihironiwa Template:Lang	Emperor Kinmei Template: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.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Nunakura no Futotamashiki Template:Lang	Emperor Bidatsu Template:Lang Template:Small	572–585 Template:Small	538–585 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kinmei.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tachibana no Toyohi Template:Lang	Emperor Yōmei Template: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		Hatsusebe Template:Lang	Emperor Sushun Template: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		Nukatabe Template:Lang	Empress Suiko Template: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		Tamura Template:Lang	Emperor Jomei Template: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		Takara Template:Lang	Empress Kōgyoku Template: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		Karu Template:Lang	Emperor Kōtoku Template:Lang Template:Small	645–654 Template:Small Template:HrTaika, Hakuchi	597–654 Template:Small Template:HrGreat-grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; younger brother of Empress Kōgyoku. First era name assigned.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Takara Template:Lang	Empress Saimei Template: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		Kazuraki Template:Lang	Emperor Tenji Template:Lang Template:Small	662–672 Template:Small	626–672 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		ŌtomoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Kōbun Template: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		Ōama Template:Lang	Emperor Tenmu Template:Lang Template:Small	673–686 Template:Small Template:HrShuchō	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		UnonosararaTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Empress Jitō Template: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		KaruTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Monmu Template:Lang Template:Small Template:Small	697–707 Template:Small Template:HrTaihō, Keiun	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		AheTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Empress Genmei Template:Lang Template:Small	707–715 Template:Small Template:HrKeiun, Wadō	660–721 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Tenji; half-sister of Empress Jitō; mother of Emperor Monmu. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		HidakaTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Empress Genshō Template:Lang Template:Small	715–724 Template:Small Template:HrReiki, Yōrō	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		Obito Template:Lang	Emperor Shōmu Template:Lang Emperor Shōhō-kanjin-shōmu Template:Lang Template:Small	724–749 Template:Small Template:HrJinki, Tenpyō, Tenpyō-kanpō	701–756 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Monmu; nephew of Empress Genshō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Abe Template:Lang	Empress Kōken Template:Lang Template:Small	749–758 Template:Small Template:HrTenpyō-kanpō, Tenpyō-shōhō, Tenpyō-hōji	718–770 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Shōmu. First reign. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōi Template:Lang	Emperor Junnin Template:Lang	758–764 Template:Small Template:HrTenpyō-hōji	733–765 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Tenmu; cousin of Empress Kōken. Deposed. Posthumously named emperor in 1870.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Abe Template:Lang	Empress Shōtoku Template:Lang Template:Small	764–770 Template:Small Template:HrTenpyō-hōji, Tenpyō-jingo, Jingo-keiun	718–770 Template:Small Template:HrDeposed her cousin, Emperor Junnin. Previously reigned as Empress Kōken. Second reign.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Shirakabe Template:Lang	Emperor Kōnin Template:Lang Template:Small	770–781 Template:Small Template:HrHōki, Ten'ō	708–782 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Tenji; brother-in-law of Empress Shōtoku. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm

Heian period (794–1185)

Template:Abbr	Portrait	Personal name	Template:Nowrap	Reign and era namesTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn	Life details
Template:Sort		Yamabe Template:Lang	Emperor Kanmu Template:Lang Template:Small	781–806 Template:Small Template:HrTen'ō, Enryaku	736–806 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōnin.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ate Template:Lang	Emperor Heizei Template:Lang Template:Small	806–809 Template:Small Template:HrDaidō	773–824 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kanmu. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Kamino Template:Lang	Emperor Saga Template:Lang	809–823 Template:Small Template:HrDaidō, Kōnin	785–842 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Ōtomo Template:Lang	Emperor Junna Template:Lang Template:Small	823–833 Template:Small Template:HrKōnin, Tenchō	786–840 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei and Emperor Saga. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Masara Template:Lang	Emperor Ninmyō Template:Lang Template:Small	833–850 Template:Small Template:HrTenchō, Jōwa, Kashō	808–850 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Saga; nephew and adopted son of Emperor Junna.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Michiyasu Template:Lang	Emperor Montoku Template:Lang	850–858 Template:Small Template:HrKashō, Ninju, Saikō, Ten'an	827–858 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ninmyō.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Korehito Template:Lang	Emperor Seiwa Template:Lang	858–876 Template:Small Template:HrTen'an, Jōgan	850–881 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Empereor Montoku. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Sadaakira Template:Lang	Emperor Yōzei Template:Lang	876–884 Template:Small Template:HrJōgan, Gangyō	869–949 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Seiwa. Deposed by Fujiwara no Mototsune.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tokiyasu Template:Lang	Emperor Kōkō Template:Lang	884–887 Template:Small Template:HrGangyō, Ninna	830–887 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ninmyō; great uncle of Emperor Yōzei. Became emperor at the recommendation of Fujiwara no Mototsune.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Sadami Template:Lang	Emperor Uda Template:Lang	887–897 Template:Small Template:HrNinna, Kanpyō	866–931 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōkō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		AtsuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Daigo Template:Lang	897–930 Template:Small Template:HrKanpyō, Shōtai, Engi, Enchō	884–930 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Uda. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		YutaakiraTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Suzaku Template:Lang	930–946 Template:Small Template:HrEnchō, Jōhei, Tengyō	921–952 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Daigo. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Nariakira Template:Lang	Emperor Murakami Template:Lang	946–967 Template:Small Template:HrTengyō, Tenryaku, Tentoku, Ōwa, Kōhō	924–967 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Norihara Template:Lang	Emperor Reizei Template:Lang	967–969 Template:Small Template:HrKōhō, Anna	949–1011 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Murakami. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Morihira Template:Lang	Emperor En'yū Template:Lang	969–984 Template:Small Template:HrAnna, Tenroku, Ten'en, Jōgen, Tengen, Eikan	958–991 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Murakami; younger brother of Emperor Reizei. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Morosada Template:Lang	Emperor Kazan Template:Lang	984–986 Template:Small Template:HrEikan, Kanna	968–1008 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Reizei; nephew of Emperor En'yū. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Kanehito Template:Lang	Emperor Ichijō Template:Lang	986–1011 Template:Small Template:HrKanna, Eien, Eiso, Shōryaku, Chōtoku, Chōhō, Kankō	980–1011 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Emperor En'yū. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		OkisadaTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Sanjō Template:Lang	1011–1016 Template:Small Template:HrKankō, Chōwa	975–1017 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Reizei; half-brother of Emperor Kazan; cousin of Emperor Ichijō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		AtsuhiraTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Ichijō Template:Lang	1016–1036 Template:Small Template:HrChōwa, Kannin, Jian, Manju, Chōgen	1008–1036 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ichijō; cousin of Emperor Sanjō.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Atsunaga Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Suzaku Template:Lang	1036–1045 Template:Small Template:HrChōgen, Chōryaku, Chōkyū, Kantoku	1009–1045 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Ichijō; younger brother of Emperor Go-Ichijō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Chikahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Reizei Template:Lang	1045–1068 Template:Small Template:HrKantoku, Eishō, Tengi, Kōhei, Jiryaku	1025–1068 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Suzaku.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Takahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Sanjō Template:Lang	1068–1073 Template:Small Template:HrJiryaku, Enkyū	1032–1073 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Suzaku; half-brother of Emperor Go-Reizei. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Sadahito Template:Lang	Emperor Shirakawa Template:Lang	1073–1087 Template:Small Template:HrEnkyū, Jōhō, Jōryaku, Eihō, Ōtoku	1053–1129 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Sanjō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		TaruhitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Horikawa Template:Lang	1087–1107 Template:Small Template:HrKanji, Kahō, Eichō, Jōtoku, Kōwa, Chōji, Kajō	1079–1107 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Shirakawa.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Munehito Template:Lang	Emperor Toba Template:Lang	1107–1123 Template:Small Template:HrKajō, Tennin, Ten'ei, Eikyū, Gen'ei, Hōan	1103–1156 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Horikawa. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Shirakawa.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Akihito Template:Lang	Emperor Sutoku Template:Lang	1123–1142 Template:Small Template:HrHōan, Tenji, Daiji, Tenshō, Chōshō, Hōen, Eiji	1119–1164 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Toba. Abdicated. Attempted to depose Emperor Go-Shirakawa during the Hōgen rebellion.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Narihito Template:Lang	Emperor Konoe Template:Lang	1142–1155 Template:Small Template:HrEiji, Kōji, Ten'yō, Kyūan, Ninpei, Kyūju	1139–1155 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Toba; half-brother of Emperor Sutoku.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Masahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Shirakawa Template:Lang	1155–1158 Template:Small Template:HrKyūju, Hōgen	1127–1192 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Toba; younger brother of Emperor Sutoku; half-brother of Emperor Konoe. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Morihito Template:Lang	Emperor Nijō Template:Lang	1158–1165 Template:Small Template:HrHōgen, Heiji, Eiryaku, Ōhō, Chōkan	1143–1165 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		NobuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Rokujō Template:Lang	1165–1168 Template:Small Template:HrChōkan, Eiman, Nin'an	1164–1176 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nijō. Deposed by Emperor Go-Shirakawa.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		NorihitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Takakura Template:Lang	1168–1180 Template:Small Template:HrNin'an, Kaō, Jōan, Angen, Jishō	1161–1181 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Shirakawa; half-brother of Emperor Nijō; uncle of Emperor Rokujō. Forced to abdicate by Taira no Kiyomori.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		TokihitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Antoku Template:Lang	18 March 1180 – 25 April 1185 Template:Small Template:HrJishō, Yōwa, Juei, Genryaku	22 December 1178 – 25 April 1185 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Takakura. Died at the Battle of Dan-no-ura during the Genpei War.Template:Sfnm

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		TakahiraTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Toba Template:Lang	8 September 1183 – 18 February 1198 Template:Small Template:HrJuei, Genryaku, Bunji, Kenkyū	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		Tamehito Template:Lang	Emperor Tsuchimikado Template:Lang	18 February 1198 – 12 December 1210 Template:Small Template:HrKenkyū, Shōji, Kennin, Genkyū, Ken'ei, Jōgen	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		Morinari Template:Lang	Emperor Juntoku Template:Lang	12 December 1210 – 12 May 1221 Template:Small Template:HrJōgen, Kenryaku, Kempo, Jōkyū	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		Kanenari Template:Lang	Emperor Chūkyō Template:Lang	12 May 1221 – 29 July 1221 Template:Small Template:HrJōkyū	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		YutahitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Horikawa Template:Lang	29 July 1221 – 17 November 1232 Template:Small Template:HrJōkyū, Jōō, Gennin, Karoku, Antei, Kangi, Jōei	22 March 1212 – 31 August 1234 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Takakura; first cousin of Emperor Chūkyō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		MitsuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Shijō Template: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		Kunihito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Saga Template:Lang	21 February 1242 – 16 February 1246 Template:Small Template:HrNinji, Kangen	1 April 1220 – 17 March 1272 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tsuchimikado; second cousin of Emperor Shijō. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Hisahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-FukakusaTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	1246–1260 Template:Small Template:HrKangen, Hōji, Kenchō, Kōgen, Shōka, Shōgen	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		Tsunehito Template:Lang	Emperor Kameyama Template:Lang	1260–1274 Template:Small Template:HrShōgen, Bun'ō, Kōchō, Bun'ei	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		Yohito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Uda Template:Lang	1274–1287 Template:Small Template:HrBun'ei, Kenji, Kōan	1267–1324 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kameyama. From the Daikakuji line. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Go-Fukakusa.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Hirohito Template:Lang	Emperor Fushimi Template:Lang	1287–1298 Template:Small Template:HrKōan, Shōō, Einin	1265–1317 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tanehito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Fushimi Template:Lang	1298–1301 Template:Small Template:HrEinin, Shōan	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		Kuniharu Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Nijō Template:Lang	1301–1308 Template:Small Template:HrShōan, Kengen, Kagen, Tokuji	1285–1308 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Uda. From the Daikakuji line.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tomihito Template:Lang	Emperor Hanazono Template:Lang	1308–1318 Template:Small Template:HrEnkyō, Ōchō, Shōwa, Bunpō	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		Takaharu Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Daigo Template: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		NoriyoshiTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Murakami Template:Lang	1339–1368 Template:Small Template:HrEngen, Kōkoku, Shōhei	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		Yutanari Template:Lang	Emperor Chōkei Template:Lang	1368–1383 Template:Small Template:HrShōhei, Kentoku, Bunchū, Tenju, Kōwa	1343–1394 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Murakami. Third emperor of the Southern Court. Abdicated.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Hironari Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Kameyama Template:Lang	1383–1392 Template:Small Template:HrKōwa, Genchū	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)		Kazuhito Template:Lang	Emperor Kōgon Template:Lang	1331–1333 Template:Small Template:HrGentoku, Shōkyō	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)		Yutahito Template:Lang	Emperor Kōmyō Template:Lang	1336–1348 Template:Small Template:HrKenmu, Ryakuō, Kōei, Jōwa	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)		OkihitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Sukō Template:Lang	1348–1351 Template:Small Template:HrJōwa, Kannō	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)		Iyahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Kōgon Template:Lang	1352–1371 Template:Small Template:HrBunna, Kōan, Jōji, Ōan	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)		Ohito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-En'yū Template:Lang	1371–1382 Template:Small Template:HrŌan, Eiwa, Kōryaku, Eitoku	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)		Motohito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-KomatsuTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	1382–1392 Template:Small Template:HrEitoku, Shitoku, Kakei, Kōō, Meitoku	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:HrMeitoku, Ōei
Template:Sort		MihitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Shōkō Template:Lang	5 October 1412 – 30 August 1428 Template:Small Template:HrŌei, Shōchō	12 May 1401 – 30 August 1428 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Komatsu.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Hikohito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Hanazono Template: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		Fusahito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado Template: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		Katsuhito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-KashiwabaraTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	16 November 1500 – 18 May 1526 Template:Small Template:HrMeiō, Bunki, Daiei	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		Tomohito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-NaraTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	9 June 1526 – 27 September 1557 Template:Small Template:HrDaiei, Kyōroku, Tenbun, Kōji	26 January 1495 – 27 September 1557 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Michihito Template:Lang	Emperor Ōgimachi Template:Lang	17 November 1557 – 17 December 1586 Template:Small Template:HrKōji, Eiroku, Genki, Tenshō	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		KatahitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Yōzei Template:Lang	17 December 1586 – 9 May 1611 Template:Small Template:HrTenshō, Bunroku, Keichō	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		KotohitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-MizunooTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	9 May 1611 – 22 December 1629 Template:Small Template:HrKeichō, Genna, Kan'ei	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		Okiko Template:Lang	Empress Meishō Template:Lang	22 December 1629 – 14 November 1643 Template:Small Template:HrKan'ei	9 January 1624 – 4 December 1696 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tsuguhito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Kōmyō Template:Lang	14 November 1643 – 30 October 1654 Template:Small Template:HrKan'ei, Shōhō, Keian, Jōō	20 April 1633 – 30 October 1654 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger half-brother of Empress Meishō.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		NagahitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Go-SaiTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	5 January 1655 – 5 March 1663 Template:Small Template:HrJōō, Meireki, Manji, Kanbun	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		Satohito Template:Lang	Emperor Reigen Template:Lang	5 March 1663 – 2 May 1687 Template:Small Template:HrKanbun, Enpō, Tenna, Jōkyō	9 July 1654 – 24 September 1732 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		AsahitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Higashiyama Template:Lang	2 May 1687 – 27 July 1709 Template:Small Template:HrJōkyō, Genroku, Hōei	21 October 1675 – 16 January 1710 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Reigen. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		YasuhitoTemplate:Efn-lr Template:Lang	Emperor Nakamikado Template:Lang	27 July 1709 – 13 April 1735 Template:Small Template:HrHōei, Shōtoku, Kyōhō	14 January 1702 – 10 May 1737 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Higashiyama. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Teruhito Template:Lang	Emperor Sakuramachi Template:Lang	13 April 1735 – 9 June 1747 Template:Small Template:HrKyōhō, Genbun, Kanpō, Enkyō	8 February 1720 – 28 May 1750 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Nakamikado. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Tōhito Template:Lang	Emperor Momozono Template:Lang	9 June 1747 – 1762 Template:Small Template:HrEnkyō, Kan'en, Hōreki	14 April 1741 – 31 August 1762 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Sakuramachi. Abdicated.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Toshiko Template:Lang	Empress Go-Sakuramachi Template:Lang	15 September 1762 – 9 January 1771 Template:Small Template:HrHōreki, Meiwa	23 September 1740 – 24 December 1813 Template:Small Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Sakuramachi; younger sister of Emperor Momozono. Abdicated.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Hidehito Template:Lang	Emperor Go-Momozono Template:Lang	9 January 1771 – 16 December 1779 Template:Small Template:HrMeiwa, An'ei	5 August 1758 – 16 December 1779 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Momozono; nephew of Empress Go-Sakuramachi.Template:Sfnm
Template:Sort		Morohito Template:Lang	Emperor Kōkaku Template:Lang	16 December 1779 – 7 May 1817 Template:Small Template:HrAn'ei, Tenmei, Kansei, Kyōwa, Bunka	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		Ayahito Template:Lang	Emperor Ninkō Template:Lang	7 May 1817 – 21 February 1846 Template:Small Template:HrBunka, Bunsei, Tenpō, Kōka	16 March 1800 – 21 February 1846 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Kōkaku.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Osahito Template:Lang	Emperor Kōmei Template:Lang	10 March 1846 – 30 January 1867 Template:Small Template:HrKōka, Kaei, Ansei, Man'en, Bunkyū, Genji, Keiō	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		Mutsuhito Template:Lang	Emperor Meiji Template:Lang	30 January 1867 – 30 July 1912 Template:Small Template:HrKeiō, Meiji	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
Template:Sort		Yoshihito Template:Lang	Emperor Taishō Template:Lang	30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926 Template:Small Template:HrTaishō	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 (Template:Lang; "Regent") from 1921 to 1926 because of Taishō's illness.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Hirohito Template:Lang	Emperor Shōwa Template:Lang	25 December 1926 – 7 January 1989 Template:Small Template:HrShōwa	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.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Akihito Template:Lang	Living	7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 Template:Small Template:HrHeisei	born 23 December 1933 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Shōwa. Abdicated and later referred to as Template:Nowrap (Template:Lang; Template:Nowrap). Longest living verifiable emperor.Template:Sfn
Template:Sort		Naruhito Template:Lang	Living	1 May 2019 – present Template:Small Template:HrReiwa	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").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
	Prince Kusakabe Template:Lang	Emperor Oka Template: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.
	Prince Toneri Template:Lang	Emperor Sudōjinkei Template:Lang	759	676–735 Template:Small Template:HrSon of Emperor Tenmu; half-brother of Prince Kusakabe; father of Emperor Junnin.Template:Sfn
	Prince Shiki Template:Lang	Emperor Kasuga Template: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.
	Prince Sawara Template:Lang	Emperor Sudō Template: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.
	Prince Masahito Template:Lang	Yōkōin Template: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.
	Sukehito, Prince Kan'in Template:Lang	Emperor Kyōkō Template:Lang	1884	1733–1794 Template:Small Template:HrGrandson of Emperor Higashiyama; father of Emperor Kōkaku.

See also

• Emperor of Japan
• Empress of Japan
  • List of empresses consort of Japan
• Sesshō and Kampaku
• Shogun
  • List of shoguns
• Prime Minister of Japan
  • List of prime ministers of Japan
• Family tree of Japanese monarchs
• Princess Iitoyo

References

Sources

• Template:Cite web
• Template:Cite book
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External links

• The Imperial Household Agency
• Japan opens imperial tombs for research