The Emperor of Japan or Tennō (天皇, pronounced [tennoː]), literally "ruler of heaven" or "heavenly sovereign", is the hereditary monarch and head of state of Japan. The emperor is defined by the Constitution of Japan as the symbol of the Japanese state and the unity of the Japanese people, his position deriving from "the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power". The Imperial Household Law governs the line of imperial succession. Pursuant to his constitutional role as a national symbol, and in accordance with rulings by the Supreme Court of Japan, the emperor is personally immune from prosecution. By virtue of his position as the head of the Imperial House, the emperor is also recognized as the head of the Shinto religion, which holds him to be the direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. According to tradition, the office of emperor was created in the 7th century BC, but modern scholars believe that the first emperors did not appear until the 5th or 6th centuries AD.
The role of the emperor of Japan has historically alternated between a largely ceremonial symbolic role and that of an actual imperial ruler. Since the establishment of the first shogunate in 1192, the emperors of Japan have rarely taken on a role as supreme battlefield commander, unlike many Western monarchs. Japanese emperors have nearly always been controlled by external political forces, to varying degrees. For example, between 1192 and 1867, the shōguns, or their shikken regents in Kamakura (1203–1333), were the de facto rulers of Japan, although they were nominally appointed by the emperor. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the emperor was the embodiment of all sovereign power in the realm, as enshrined in the Meiji Constitution of 1889. Since the enactment of the 1947 constitution, the role of emperor has been relegated to that of a ceremonial head of state without even nominal political powers. For example, the emperor is the head of the Japanese honors system, conferring orders, decorations, medals, and awards in the name of the state and on behalf of its people in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet.
Since the mid-nineteenth century, the emperor and other members of the imperial family have resided at the Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle in the heart of Tokyo, the current capital of Japan. Earlier, emperors resided in Kyoto, the ancient capital, for nearly eleven centuries. The Emperor's Birthday (currently 23 February) is a national holiday.
Naruhito is the current emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne upon the abdication of his father, Emperor Heisei, on 1 May 2019.
List of Emperors[]
No. | Portrait | Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign and era names | Life details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Hikohohodemi ja: 彦火火出見 |
Emperor Jimmu ja: 神武天皇 |
660–585 BC (75 years) |
721 or 711–585 BC, (126 or 136 years) Son of kami Ugayafukiaezu. Claimed descent from the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Defeated Nagasunehiko in the Eastern Expedition to become emperor. Presumed legendary. |
2 | ![]() |
Kamununakawamimi ja: 神渟名川耳 |
Emperor Suizei ja: 綏靖天皇 |
581–549 BC (32 years) |
632–549 BC. (83 years) Son of Emperor Jimmu. Presumed legendary. |
3 | ![]() |
Shikitsuhikotamatemi ja: 磯城津彦玉手看 |
Emperor Annei ja: 安寧天皇 |
549–511 BC (37 years) |
567–511 BC (56 years) Son of Emperor Suizei. Presumed legendary. |
4 | ![]() |
Ōyamatohikosukitomo ja: 大日本彦耜友 |
Emperor Itoku ja: 懿徳天皇 |
510–477 BC (33 years) |
553–477 BC (76 years) Son of Emperor Annei. Presumed legendary. |
5 | ![]() |
Mimatsuhikokaeshine ja: 観松彦香殖稲 |
Emperor Kōshō ja: 孝昭天皇 |
475–393 BC (82 years) |
506–393 BC (113 years) Son of Emperor Itoku. Presumed legendary. |
6 | ![]() |
Yamatotarashihikokunioshihito ja: 日本足彦国押人 |
Emperor Kōan ja: 孝安天皇 |
392–291 BC (101 years) |
427–291 BC (136 years) Son of Emperor Kōshō. Presumed legendary. |
7 | ![]() |
Ōyamatonekohikofutoni ja: 大日本根子彦太瓊 |
Emperor Kōrei ja: 孝霊天皇 |
290–215 BC (75 years) |
342–215 BC (127 years) Son of Emperor Kōan. Presumed legendary. |
8 | ![]() |
Ōyamatonekohikokunikuru ja: 大日本根子彦国牽 |
Emperor Kōgen ja: 孝元天皇 |
214–158 BC (56 years) |
273–158 BC (115 years) Son of Emperor Kōrei. Presumed legendary. |
9 | ![]() |
Wakayamato Nekohiko Ōbibi ja: 稚日本根子彦大日日 |
Emperor Kaika ja: 開化天皇 |
157–98 BC (59 years) |
208–98 BC (110 years) Son of Emperor Kōgen. Presumed legendary. |
10 | ![]() |
Mimaki ja: 御間城 |
Emperor Sujin ja: 崇神天皇 |
97–30 BC (67 years) |
148–30 BC (118 years) Son of Emperor Kaika. First emperor with a direct possibility of existence. Still presumed legendary. |
11 | ![]() |
Ikume ja: 活目 |
Emperor Suinin ja: 垂仁天皇 |
29 BC–AD 70 (99 years) |
69 BC–AD 70 (127 years) Son of Emperor Sujin. Presumed legendary. |
12 | ![]() |
Ōtarashihiko ja: 大足彦 |
Emperor Keikō ja: 景行天皇 |
71–130 (59 years) |
13 BC–AD 130 (143 years) Son of Emperor Suinin. Presumed legendary. |
13 | ![]() |
Wakatarashihiko ja: 稚足彦 |
Emperor Seimu ja: 成務天皇 |
131–190 (59 years) |
84–190 (106 years) Son of Emperor Keikō. Presumed legendary. |
14 | ![]() |
Tarashinakatsuhiko ja: 足仲彦 |
Emperor Chūai ja: 仲哀天皇 |
192–200 (8 years) |
149–200 (51 years) 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 ja: 息長帯比売' |
Empress Jingū ja: 神功皇后 |
201–269 (68 years) |
170–269(99 years)
Wife of Emperor Chūai; mother and regent of Emperor Ōjin. Not counted among the officially numbered emperors. Presumed legendary. |
15 | ![]() |
Homutawake ja: 誉田別 |
Emperor Ōjin ja: 応神天皇 |
270–310 (40 years) |
201–310 (109 years) Son of Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū. Deified in Shinto and Buddhism in Japan as Hachiman. Presumed legendary. |
16 | ![]() |
Ohosazaki ja: 大鷦鷯 |
Emperor Nintoku ja: 仁徳天皇 |
313–399 (86 years) |
290–399 (108–109 years) Son of Emperor Ōjin. Presumed legendary. |
17 | ![]() |
Ōenoizahowake ja: 大兄去来穂別 |
Emperor Richū ja: 履中天皇 |
400–405 (5 years) |
336–405 (69 years) Son of Emperor Nintoku. Presumed legendary. |
18 | Mizuhawake ja: 瑞歯別 |
Emperor Hanzei ja: 反正天皇 |
406–410 (5 years) |
352–411 (59 years) Son of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū. Presumed legendary. | |
19 | ![]() |
Oasatsuma Wakugo no Sukune ja: 雄朝津間稚子宿禰 |
Emperor Ingyō ja: 允恭天皇 |
411–453 (42 years) |
376–453 (77 years) Son of Emperor Nintoku; younger brother of Emperor Richū and Emperor Hanzei. Presumed legendary. |
20 | ![]() |
Anaho ja: 穴穂 |
Emperor Ankō ja: 安康天皇 |
453–456 (3 years) |
401–456 (55 years) Son of Emperor Ingyō. Assassinated by Prince Mayowa. Presumed legendary. |
21 | ![]() |
Ōhatuse no Wakatakeru ja: 大泊瀬稚武 |
Emperor Yūryaku ja: 雄略天皇 |
456–479 (23 years) |
418–479 (61 years) Son of Emperor Ingyō; younger brother of Emperor Ankō. Presumed legendary. |
22 | ![]() |
Shiraka ja: 白髪 |
Emperor Seinei ja: 清寧天皇 |
480–484 (4 years) |
444–484 (40 years) Son of Emperor Yūryaku. Presumed legendary. |
23 | ![]() |
Woke ja: 弘計 |
Emperor Kenzō ja: 顕宗天皇 |
485–487 (2 years) |
450–487 (37 years) Grandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei. Presumed legendary. |
24 | ![]() |
Oke ja: 億計 |
Emperor Ninken ja: 仁賢天皇 |
488–498 (10 years) |
448–498 (50 years) Grandson of Emperor Richū; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Seinei; older brother of Emperor Kenzō. Presumed legendary. |
25 | Ohatsuse no Wakasazaki ja: 小泊瀬稚鷦鷯 |
Emperor Buretsu ja: 武烈天皇 |
499–506 (7 years) |
489–506 (17 years) Son of Emperor Ninken. Presumed legendary. | |
26 | ![]() |
Ohodo ja: 袁本杼 |
Emperor Keitai ja: 継体天皇 |
507–531 (24 years) |
450–531 (81 years) 5th-generation grandson of Emperor Ōjin. Became emperor at the recommendation of Ōtomo no Kanamura. Possible founder of a new dynasty. |
27 | Magari ja: 勾 |
Emperor Ankan ja: 安閑天皇 |
534–535 (1 year) |
466–535 (69 years) Son of Emperor Keitai. | |
28 | Hinokuma-no-takata ja: 檜隈高田 |
Emperor Senka ja: 宣化天皇 |
536–539 (3 years) |
467–539 (72 years) Son of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Emperor Ankan. | |
29 | ![]() |
Amekunioshiharakihironiwa ja: 天国排開広庭 |
Emperor Kinmei ja: 欽明天皇 |
540–571 (31 years) |
509–571 (62 years) Son of Emperor Keitai; younger brother of Emperor Ankan and Emperor Senka. First historically verifiable emperor. |
30 | Nunakura no Futotamashiki ja: 渟中倉太珠敷 |
Emperor Bidatsu ja: 敏達天皇 |
572–585 (13 years) |
538–585 (47 years) Son of Emperor Kinmei. | |
31 | ![]() |
Tachibana no Toyohi ja: 橘豊日 |
Emperor Yōmei ja: 用明天皇 |
586–587 (1 year) |
517–587 (46 years) Son of Emperor Kinmei; half-brother of Emperor Bidatsu. |
32 | Hatsusebe ja: 泊瀬部 |
Emperor Sushun ja: 崇峻天皇 |
588–592 (4 years) |
522–592 (70 years) 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. | |
33 | ![]() |
Nukatabe ja: 額田部 |
Empress Suiko ja: 推古天皇 |
593–628 (35 years) |
554–628 (74 years) Daughter of Emperor Kinmei; half-sister and wife of Emperor Bidatsu. First non-legendary female monarch. Prince Shōtoku acted as her regent. |
34 | Tamura ja: 田村 |
Emperor Jomei ja: 舒明天皇 |
629–641 (12 years) |
593–641 (48 years) Grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; great nephew of Empress Suiko. | |
35 | ![]() |
Takara ja: 宝 |
Empress Kōgyoku ja: 皇極天皇 |
642–645 (3 years) |
594–661 (67 years) Great-granddaughter of Emperor Bidatsu; wife of Emperor Jomei. First reign. Abdicated as a result of the Isshi incident. |
36 | Karu ja: 軽 |
Emperor Kōtoku ja: 孝徳天皇 |
645–654 (9 years) Taika, Hakuchi |
597–654 (57 years) Great-grandson of Emperor Bidatsu; younger brother of Empress Kōgyoku. First era name assigned. | |
37 | ![]() |
Takara ja: 宝 |
Empress Saimei ja: 斉明天皇 |
655–661 (6 years) |
594–661 (67 years) Older sister of Emperor Kōtoku. Previously reigned as Empress Kōgyoku. Second reign. |
38 | ![]() |
Kazuraki ja: 葛城 |
Emperor Tenji ja: 天智天皇 |
662–672 (10 years) |
626–672 (46 years) Son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku. |
39 | ![]() |
Ōtomo ja: 大友 |
Emperor Kōbun ja: 弘文天皇 |
672 (8 months) |
648–672 (24 years) Son of Emperor Tenji. Deposed and committed suicide during the Jinshin War. Not recognized as emperor until 1870. |
40 | ![]() |
Ōama ja: 大海人 |
Emperor Tenmu ja: 天武天皇 |
673–686 (14 years) Shuchō |
622–686 (56 years) Son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Kōgyoku; younger brother of Emperor Tenji. Deposed his nephew, Emperor Kōbun, during the Jinshin War. |
41 | ![]() |
Unonosarara ja: 鸕野讚良 |
Empress Jitō ja: 持統天皇 |
687–697 (10 years) |
646–703 (57 years) Daughter of Emperor Tenji; niece and wife of Emperor Tenmu. Abdicated. |
42 | ![]() |
Karu ja: 珂瑠 |
Emperor Monmu ja: 文武天皇 |
697–707 (10 years) Taihō, Keiun |
683–707 (24 years) Grandson of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. |
43 | ![]() |
Ahe ja: 阿閇 |
Empress Genmei ja: 元明天皇 |
707–715 (8 years) Keiun, Wadō |
660–721 (61 years) Daughter of Emperor Tenji; half-sister of Empress Jitō; mother of Emperor Monmu. Abdicated. |
44 | ![]() |
Hidaka ja: 氷高 |
Empress Genshō ja: 元正天皇 |
715–724 (9 years) Reiki, Yōrō |
681–748 (67 years) Daughter of Empress Genmei; elder sister of Emperor Monmu. Only instance of an empress regnant inheriting the throne from another empress regnant. Abdicated. |
45 | ![]() |
Obito ja: 首 |
Emperor Shōmu ja: 聖武天皇 |
724–749 (25 years) Jinki, Tenpyō, Tenpyō-kanpō |
699–756 (57 years) Son of Emperor Monmu; nephew of Empress Genshō. Abdicated. |
46 | ![]() |
Abe ja: 阿倍 |
Empress Kōken ja: 孝謙天皇 |
749–758 (9 years) Tenpyō-kanpō, Tenpyō-shōhō, Tenpyō-shōhō, Tenpyō-hōji |
718–770 (52 years) Daughter of Emperor Shōmu. First reign. Abdicated. |
47 | Ōi ja: 大炊 |
Emperor Junnin ja: 淳仁天皇 |
758–764 (6 years) Tenpyō-hōji |
733–765 (32 years) Grandson of Emperor Tenmu; cousin of Empress Kōken. Deposed. Posthumously named emperor in 1870. | |
48 | ![]() |
Abe ja: 阿倍 |
Empress Shōtoku ja: 称徳天皇 |
764–770 (6 years) Tenpyō-hōji, Tenpyō-jingo, Jingo-keiun |
718–770 (52 years) Deposed her cousin, Emperor Junnin. Previously reigned as Empress Kōken. Second reign. |
49 | ![]() |
Shirakabe ja: 白壁 |
Emperor Kōnin ja: 光仁天皇 |
770–781 (11 years) Hōki, Ten'ō |
708–782 (73 years) Grandson of Emperor Tenji; brother-in-law of Empress Shōtoku. Abdicated. |
50 | ![]() |
Yamabe ja: 山部 |
Emperor Kanmu ja: 桓武天皇 |
781–806 (25 years) Ten'ō, Enryaku |
736–806 (70 years) Son of Emperor Kōnin. |
51 | Ate ja: 安殿 |
Emperor Heizei ja: 平城天皇 |
806–809 (3 years) Daidō |
773–824 (51 years) Son of Emperor Kanmu. Abdicated. | |
52 | ![]() |
Kamino ja: 神野 |
Emperor Saga ja: 嵯峨天皇 |
809–823 (14 years) Daidō, Kōnin |
785–842 (57 years) Son of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei. Abdicated. |
53 | ![]() |
Ōtomo ja: 大伴 |
Emperor Junna ja: 淳和天皇 |
823–833 (10 years) Kōnin, Tenchō |
786–840 (54 years) Son of Emperor Kanmu; younger brother of Emperor Heizei and Emperor Saga. Abdicated. |
54 | ![]() |
Masara ja: 正良 |
Emperor Ninmyō ja: 仁明天皇 |
833–850 (17 years) Tenchō, Jōwa, Kashō |
808–850 (41 years) Son of Emperor Saga; nephew and adopted son of Emperor Junna. |
55 | ![]() |
Michiyasu ja: 道康 |
Emperor Montoku ja: 文徳天皇 |
850–858 (8 years) Kashō, Ninju, Saikō, Ten'an |
827–858 (31 years) Son of Emperor Ninmyō. |
56 | ![]() |
Korehito ja: 惟仁 |
Emperor Seiwa ja: 清和天皇 |
858–876 (18 years) Ten'an, Jōgan |
850–881 (30 years) Son of Empereor Montoku. Abdicated. |
57 | ![]() |
Sadaakira ja: 貞明 |
Emperor Yōzei ja: 陽成天皇 |
876–884 (8 years) Jōgan, Gangyō |
869–949 (80 years) Son of Emperor Seiwa. Deposed by Fujiwara no Mototsune. |
58 | ![]() |
Tokiyasu ja: 時康 |
Emperor Kōkō ja: 光孝天皇 |
884–887 (3 years) Gangyō, Ninna |
830–887 (57 years) Son of Emperor Ninmyō; great uncle of Emperor Yōzei. Became emperor at the recommendation of Fujiwara no Mototsune. |
59 | ![]() |
Sadami ja: 定省 |
Emperor Uda ja: 宇多天皇 |
887–897 (10 years) Ninna, Kanpyō |
866–931 (65 years) Son of Emperor Kōkō. Abdicated. |
60 | ![]() |
Atsuhito ja: 敦仁 |
Emperor Daigo ja: 醍醐天皇 |
897–930 (33 years) Kanpyō, Shōtai, Engi, Enchō |
884–930 (46 years) Son of Emperor Uda. Abdicated. |
61 | Yutaakira ja: 寛明 |
Emperor Suzaku ja: 朱雀天皇 |
930–946 (16 years) Enchō, Jōhei, Tengyō |
921–952 (30 years) Son of Emperor Daigo. Abdicated. | |
62 | ![]() |
Nariakira ja: 成明 |
Emperor Murakami ja: 村上天皇 |
946–967 (21 years) Tengyō, Tenryaku, Tentoku, Ōwa, Kōhō Son of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku. |
924–967 (42 years) Son of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku. |
63 | Norihara ja: 憲平 |
Emperor Reizei ja: 冷泉天皇 |
967–969 (2 years) Kōhō, Anna |
949–1011 (62 years) Son of Emperor Murakami. Abdicated. | |
64 | Morihira ja: 守平 |
Emperor En'yū ja: 円融天皇 |
969–984 (15 years) Anna, Tenroku, Ten'en, Jōgen, Tengen, Eikan |
958–991 (32 years) Son of Emperor Murakami; younger brother of Emperor Reizei. Abdicated. | |
65 | ![]() |
Morosada ja: 師貞 |
Emperor Kazan ja: 花山天皇 |
984–986 (2 years) Eikan, Kanna |
968–1008 (39 years) Son of Emperor Reizei; nephew of Emperor En'yū. Abdicated. |
66 | ![]() |
Kanehito ja: 懐仁 |
Emperor Ichijō ja: 一条天皇 |
986–1011 (25 years) Kanna, Eien, Eiso, Shōryaku, Chōtoku, Chōhō, Kankō |
980–1011 (31 years) Son of Emperor Emperor En'yū. Abdicated. |
67 | ![]() |
Okisada ja: 居貞 |
Emperor Sanjō ja: 三条天皇 |
1011–1016 (5 years) Kankō, Chōwa |
975–1017 (42 years) Son of Emperor Reizei; half-brother of Emperor Kazan; cousin of Emperor Ichijō. Abdicated. |
68 | Atsuhira ja: 敦成 |
Emperor Go-Ichijō ja: 後一条天皇 |
1016–1036 (20 years) Chōwa, Kannin, Jian, Manju, Chōgen |
1008–1036 (27 years) Son of Emperor Ichijō; cousin of Emperor Sanjō. | |
69 | Atsunaga ja: 敦良 |
Emperor Go-Suzaku ja: 後朱雀天皇 |
1036–1045 (9 years) Chōgen, Chōryaku, Chōkyū, Kantoku |
1009–1045 (37 years) Son of Emperor Ichijō; younger brother of Emperor Go-Ichijō. Abdicated. | |
70 | Chikahito ja: 親仁 |
Emperor Go-Reizei ja: 後冷泉天皇 |
1045–1068 (23 years) Kantoku, Eishō, Tengi, Kōhei, Jiryaku |
1025–1068 (42 years) Son of Emperor Go-Suzaku. | |
71 | ![]() |
Takahito ja: 尊仁 |
Emperor Go-Sanjō ja: 後三条天皇 |
1068–1073 (5 years) Jiryaku, Enkyū |
1032–1073 (40 years) Son of Emperor Go-Suzaku; half-brother of Emperor Go-Reizei. Abdicated. |
72 | ![]() |
Sadahito ja: 貞仁 |
Emperor Shirakawa ja: 白河天皇 |
1073–1087 (14 years) Enkyū, Jōhō, Jōryaku, Eihō, Ōtoku |
1053–1129 (76 years) Son of Emperor Go-Sanjō. Abdicated. |
73 | ![]() |
Taruhito ja: 善仁 |
Emperor Horikawa ja: 堀河天皇 |
1087–1107 (20 years) Kanji, Kahō, Eichō, Jōtoku, Kōwa, Chōji, Kajō |
1079–1107 (28 years) Son of Emperor Shirakawa. |
74 | ![]() |
Munehito ja: 宗仁 |
Emperor Toba ja: 鳥羽天皇 |
1107–1123 (16 years) Kajō, Tennin, Ten'ei, Eikyū, Gen'ei, Hōan |
1103–1156 (53 years) Son of Emperor Horikawa. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Shirakawa. |
75 | ![]() |
Akihito ja: 顕仁 |
Emperor Sutoku ja: 崇徳天皇 |
1123–1142 (19 years) Hōan, Tenji, Daiji, Tenshō, Chōshō, Hōen, Eiji |
1119–1164 (45 years) Son of Emperor Toba. Abdicated. Attempted to depose Emperor Go-Shirakawa during the Hōgen rebellion. |
76 | ![]() |
Narihito ja: 体仁 |
Emperor Konoe ja: 近衛天皇 |
1142–1155 (13 years) Eiji, Kōji, Ten'yō, Kyūan, Ninpei, Kyūju |
1139–1155 (16 years) Son of Emperor Toba; half-brother of Emperor Sutoku. |
77 | ![]() |
Masahito ja: 雅仁 |
Emperor Go-Shirakawa ja: 後白河天皇 |
1155–1158 (3 years) Kyūju, Hōgen |
1127–1192 (64 years) Son of Emperor Toba; younger brother of Emperor Sutoku; half-brother of Emperor Konoe. Abdicated. |
78 | ![]() |
Morihito ja: 守仁 |
Emperor Nijō ja: 二条天皇 |
1158–1165 (7 years) Hōgen, Heiji, Eiryaku, Ōhō, Chōkan |
1143–1165 (22 years) Son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Abdicated. |
79 | ![]() |
Nobuhito ja: 順仁 |
Emperor Rokujō ja: 六条天皇 |
1165–1168 (3 years) Chōkan, Eiman, Nin'an |
1164–1176 (11 years) Son of Emperor Nijō. Deposed by Emperor Go-Shirakawa. |
80 | ![]() |
Norihito ja: 憲仁 |
Emperor Takakura ja: 高倉天皇 |
1168–1180 (12 years) Nin'an, Kaō, Jōan, Angen, Jishō |
1161–1181 (19 years) Son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa; half-brother of Emperor Nijō; uncle of Emperor Rokujō. Forced to abdicate by Taira no Kiyomori. |
81 | ![]() |
Tokohito ja: 言仁 |
Emperor Antoku ja: 安徳天皇 |
1180–1185 (5 years) Jishō, Yōwa, Juei, Genryaku |
1178–1185 (6 years) Son of Emperor Takakura. Died at the Battle of Dan-no-ura during the Genpei War. |
82 | ![]() |
Takahira ja: 尊成 |
Emperor Go-Toba ja: 後鳥羽天皇 |
1183–1198 (15 years) Juei, Genryaku, Bunji, Kenkyū |
1180–1239 (58 years) 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. |
83 | ![]() |
Tamehito ja: 為仁 |
Emperor Tsuchimikado ja: 土御門天皇 |
1198–1210 (12 years) Kenkyū, Shōji, Kennin, Genkyū, Ken'ei, Jōgen |
1196–1231 (35 years) Son of Emperor Go-Toba. Persuaded by Emperor Go-Toba to abdicate. Exiled following the Jōkyū War. |
84 | ![]() |
Morinari ja: 守成 |
Emperor Juntoku ja: 順徳天皇 |
1210–1221 (11 years) Jōgen, Kenryaku, Kempo, Jōkyū |
1197–1242 (44 years) Son of Emperor Go-Toba; half-brother of Emperor Tsuchimikado. Forced to abdicate following the Jōkyū War. |
85 | ![]() |
Kanenari ja: 懐成 |
Emperor Chūkyō ja: 仲恭天皇 |
1221 (2 months) Jōkyū |
1218–1234 (15 years) Son of Emperor Juntoku. Deposed and exiled following the Jōkyū War. Posthumously named emperor in 1870. |
86 | ![]() |
Yutahito ja: 茂仁 |
Emperor Go-Horikawa ja: 後堀河天皇 |
1221–1232 (11 years) Jōkyū, Jōō, Gennin, Karoku, Antei, Kangi, Jōei |
1212–1234 (22 years) Grandson of Emperor Takakura; first cousin of Emperor Chūkyō. Abdicated. |
87 | ![]() |
Mitsuhito ja: 秀仁 |
Emperor Shijō ja: 四条天皇 |
1232–1242 (10 years) Jōei, Tenpuku, Bunryaku, Katei, Ryakunin, En'ō, Ninji |
1231–1242 (10 years) Son of Emperor Go-Horikawa. |
88 | ![]() |
Kunihito ja: 邦仁 |
Emperor Go-Saga ja: 後嵯峨天皇 |
1242–1246 (4 years) Ninji, Kangen |
1220–1272 (51 years) Son of Emperor Tsuchimikado; second cousin of Emperor Shijō. Abdicated. |
89 | ![]() |
Hisahito ja: 久仁 |
Emperor Go-Fukakusa ja: 後深草天皇 |
1246–1260 (14 years) Kangen, Hōji, Kenchō, Kōgen, Shōka, Shōgen |
1243–1304 (61 years) Son of Emperor Go-Saga. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated at the insistence of Emperor Go-Saga. |
90 | ![]() |
Tsunehito ja: 恒仁 |
Emperor Kameyama ja: 亀山天皇 |
1260–1274 (14 years) Shōgen, Bun'ō, Kōchō, Bun'ei |
1249–1305 (56 years) Son of Emperor Go-Saga; younger brother of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Daikakuji line. Abdicated. |
91 | ![]() |
Yohito ja: 世仁 |
Emperor Go-Uda ja: 後宇多天皇 |
1274–1287 (13 years) Bun'ei, Kenji, Kōan |
1267–1324 (56 years) Son of Emperor Kameyama. From the Daikakuji line. Forced to abdicate by Emperor Go-Fukakusa. |
92 | ![]() |
Hirohito ja: 熈仁 |
Emperor Fushimi ja: 伏見天皇 |
1287–1298 (11 years) Kōan, Shōō, Einin |
1265–1317 (52 years) Son of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. From the Jimyōin line. Abdicated. |
93 | ![]() |
Tanehito ja: 胤仁 |
Emperor Go-Fushimi ja: 後伏見天皇 |
1298–1301 (3 years) Einin, Shōan |
1288–1336 (48 years) Son of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Forced to abdicate by the Daikakuji line. Traditional dates used. |
94 | ![]() |
Kuniharu ja: 邦治 |
Emperor Go-Nijō ja: 後二条天皇 |
1301–1308 (7 years) Shōan, Kengen, Kagen, Tokuji |
1285–1308 (23 years) Son of Emperor Go-Uda. From the Daikakuji line. |
95 | ![]() |
Tomihito ja: 富仁 |
Emperor Hanazono ja: 花園天皇 |
1308–1318 (10 years) Enkyō, Ōchō, Shōwa, Bunpō |
1297–1348 (51 years) Son of Emperor Fushimi. From the Jimyōin line. Agreed to alternate control of the throne between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin lines. |
96 | ![]() |
Takaharu ja: 尊治 |
Emperor Go-Daigo ja: 後醍醐天皇 |
1318–1339 (21 years) Bunpō, Gen'ō, Genkō (1321–24), Shōchū, Karyaku, Gentoku, Genkō (1331–34), Kenmu, Engen |
1288–1339 (50 years) 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. |
97 | ![]() |
Noriyoshi ja: 義良 |
Emperor Go-Murakami ja: 後村上天皇 |
1339–1368 (29 years) Engen, Kōkoku, Shōhei |
1328–1368 (40 years) 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. |
98 | Yutanari ja: 寛成 |
Emperor Chōkei ja: 長慶天皇 |
1368–1383 (15 years) Shōhei, Kentoku, Bunchū, Tenju, Kōwa |
1343–1394 (51 years) Son of Emperor Go-Murakami. Third emperor of the Southern Court. Abdicated. | |
99 | ![]() |
Hironari ja: 熙成 |
Emperor Go-Kameyama ja: 後亀山天皇 |
1383–1392 (9 years) Kōwa, Genchū |
c. 1347–1424 (c. 77 years) 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 ja: 量仁' |
Emperor Kōgon ja: 光厳天皇 |
1331–1333 (2 years) Gentoku, Shōkyō |
1313–1364(51 years)
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 ja: 豊仁' |
Emperor Kōmyō ja: 光明天皇 |
1336–1348 (12 years) Kenmu, Ryakuō, Kōei, Jōwa |
1322–1380(58 years)
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' ja: 興仁' |
Emperor Sukō ja: 崇光天皇' |
1348–1351 (3 years) Jōwa, Kannō |
1334–1398(63 years)
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 ja: 彌仁' |
Emperor Go-Kōgon ja: 後光厳天皇' |
1352–1371 (19 years) Bunna, Kōan, Jōji, Ōan |
1338–1374(35 years)
Son of Emperor Kōgon; younger brother of Emperor Sukō. Became the fourth Emperor of the Northern Court after the Kannō disturbance. Abdicated. |
(5) | ![]() |
Ohito ja: 緒仁' |
Emperor Go-En'yū ja: 後円融天皇' |
1371–1382 (11 years) Ōan, Eiwa, Kōryaku, Eitoku |
1359–1393(34 years)
Son of Emperor Go-Kōgon. Fifth emperor of the Northern Court. Abdicated in favor of Emperor Go-Komatsu. |
(6) | ![]() |
Motohito ja: 幹仁 |
Emperor Go-Komatsu ja: 後小松天皇 |
1382–1392 (10 years) Eitoku, Shitoku, Kakei, Kōō, Meitoku |
1377–1433 (56 years) 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 (20 years) Meitoku, Ōei | ||||
101 | ![]() |
Mihito ja: 実仁 |
Emperor Shōkō ja: 称光天皇 |
1412–1428 (16 years) Ōei, Shōchō |
1401–1428 (27 years) Son of Emperor Go-Komatsu. |
102 | ![]() |
Hikohito ja: 彦仁 |
Emperor Go-Hanazono ja: 後花園天皇 |
1428–1464 (36 years) Shōchō, Eikyō, Kakitsu, Bun'an, Hōtoku, Kyōtoku, Kōshō, Chōroku, Kanshō |
1419–1471 (51 years) Great-grandson of Northern Emperor Sukō; third cousin of Emperor Shōkō. Abdicated. Traditional dates used. |
103 | ![]() |
Fusahito ja: 成仁 |
Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado ja: 後土御門天皇 |
1464–1500 (36 years) Kanshō, Bunshō, Ōnin, Bunmei, Chōkyō, Entoku, Meiō |
1442–1500 (58 years) Son of Emperor Go-Hanazono. Ōnin War led to the start of the Sengoku period. |
104 | ![]() |
Katsuhito ja: 勝仁 |
Emperor Go-Kashiwabara ja: 後柏原天皇 |
1500–1526 (26 years) Meiō, Bunki, Daiei |
1462–1526 (63 years) Son of Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. Imperial rule in the Ashikaga shogunate reached its lowest point in his reign. |
105 | ![]() |
Tomohito ja: 知仁 |
Emperor Go-Nara ja: 後奈良天皇 |
1526–1557 (31 years) Daiei, Kyōroku, Tenbun, Kōji |
1495–1557 (62 years) Son of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara. |
106 | ![]() |
Michihito ja: 方仁 |
Emperor Ōgimachi ja: 正親町天皇 |
1557–1586 (29 years) Kōji, Eiroku, Genki, Tenshō |
1517–1593 (75 years) Son of Emperor Go-Nara. Ashikaga shogunate overthrown by Oda Nobunaga. Abdicated. |
107 | ![]() |
Katahito ja: 周仁 |
Emperor Go-Yōzei ja: 後陽成天皇 |
1586–1611 (25 years) Tenshō, Bunroku, Keichō |
1571–1617 (45 years) Grandson of Emperor Ōgimachi. Tokugawa shogunate established. Sengoku period ended. |
108 | ![]() |
Kotohito ja: 政仁 |
Emperor Go-Mizunoo ja: 後水尾天皇 |
1611–1629 (18 years) Keichō, Genna, Kan'ei |
1596–1680 (84 years) Son of Emperor Go-Yōzei. Japan implements isolationist policy. Purple Robe Incident led to his abdication. |
109 | ![]() |
Okiko ja: 興子 |
Empress Meishō ja: 明正天皇 |
1629–1643 (14 years) Kan'ei |
1624–1696 (72 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Abdicated. |
110 | ![]() |
Tsuguhito ja: 紹仁 |
Emperor Go-Kōmyō ja: 後光明天皇 |
1643–1654 (11 years) Kan'ei, Shōhō, Keian, Jōō |
1633–1654 (21 years) Son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger brother of Empress Meishō. |
111 | ![]() |
Nagahito ja: 良仁 |
Emperor Go-Sai ja: 後西天皇 |
1655–1663 (8 years) Jōō, Meireki, Manji, Kanbun |
1638–1685 (47 years) Son of Emperor Go-Mizunoo; younger half-brother of Empress Meishō and Emperor Go-Kōmyō. Abdicated. |
112 | ![]() |
Satohito ja: 識仁 |
Emperor Reigen ja: 霊元天皇 |
1663–1687 (24 years) Kanbun, Enpō, Tenna, Jōkyō |
1654–1732 (78 years) Son of Emperor Go-Sai. Abdicated. |
113 | ![]() |
Asahito ja: 朝仁 |
Emperor Higashiyama ja: 東山天皇 |
1687–1709 (22 years) Jōkyō, Genroku, Hōei |
1675–1710 (34 years) Son of Emperor Reigen. Abdicated. |
114 | ![]() |
Yasuhito ja: 慶仁 |
Emperor Nakamikado ja: 中御門天皇 |
1709–1735 (26 years) Hōei, Shōtoku, Kyōhō |
1702–1737 (35 years) Son of Emperor Higashiyama. Abdicated. |
115 | ![]() |
Teruhito ja: 昭仁 |
Emperor Sakuramachi ja: 桜町天皇 |
1735–1747 (12 years) Kyōhō, Genbun, Kanpō, Enkyō |
1720–1750 (30 years) Son of Emperor Nakamikado. Abdicated. |
116 | ![]() |
Tōhito ja: 遐仁 |
Emperor Momozono ja: 桃園天皇 |
1747–1762 (15 years) Enkyō, Kan'en, Hōreki |
1741–1762 (20 years) Son of Emperor Sakuramachi. Abdicated. |
117 | ![]() |
Toshiko ja: 智子 |
Empress Go-Sakuramachi ja: 後桜町天皇 |
1762–1771 (9 years) Hōreki, Meiwa |
1740–1813 (73 years) Daughter of Emperor Sakuramachi; younger sister of Emperor Momozono. |
118 | ![]() |
Hidehito ja: 英仁 |
Emperor Go-Momozono ja: 後桃園天皇 |
1771–1779 (8 years) Meiwa, An'ei |
1758–1779 (21 years) Son of Emperor Momozono; nephew of Empress Go-Sakuramachi. |
119 | ![]() |
Morohito ja: 師仁 |
Emperor Kōkaku ja: 光格天皇 |
1780–1817 (37 years) An'ei, Tenmei, Kansei, Kyōwa, Bunka |
1771–1840 (69 years) Great-grandson of Emperor Higashiyama; cousin and adopted son of Emperor Go-Momozono. Abdicated. |
120 | ![]() |
Ayahito ja: 恵仁 |
Emperor Ninkō ja: 仁孝天皇 |
1817–1846 (29 years) Bunka, Bunsei, Tenpō, Kōka |
1800–1846 (46 years) Son of Emperor Kōkaku. |
121 | ![]() |
Osahito ja: 統仁 |
Emperor Kōmei ja: 孝明天皇 |
1846–1867 (21 years) Kōka, Kaei, Ansei, Man'en, Bunkyū, Genji, Keiō |
1831–1867 (35 years) 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. |
122 | ![]() |
Mutsuhito ja: 睦仁 |
Emperor Meiji ja: 明治天皇 |
3 February 1867 – 30 July 1912 (45 years, 178 days) Keiō, Meiji |
3 November 1852 – 30 July 1912 (Aged 59) Son of Emperor Kōmei. Ended the Tokugawa Shogunate with the Meiji Restoration (3 January 1868). First emperor of the Empire of Japan. |
123 | ![]() |
Yoshihito ja: 嘉仁 |
Emperor Taishō ja: 大正天皇 |
30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926 (14 years, 148 days) Taishō |
31 August 1879 – 25 December 1926 (Aged 47) 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 (ja: 摂政; "Regent") from 1921 to 1926 because of Taishō's illness. |
124 | ![]() |
Hirohito ja: 裕仁 |
Emperor Shōwa ja: 昭和天皇 |
25 December 1926 – 7 January 1989 (62 years, 13 days) Shōwa |
29 April 1901 – 7 January 1989 (Aged 87) 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. |
125 | ![]() |
Akihito ja: 明仁 |
Living | 7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 (30 years, 113 days) Heisei |
born 23 December 1933
Son of Emperor Shōwa. Abdicated referred to as Jōkō (ja: 上皇; "Emperor Emeritus") thereafter. |
126 | ![]() |
Naruhito ja: 徳仁 |
Living | 1 May 2019 – present (Reigning) Reiwa |
born 23 February 1960 Son of Emperor Heisei. Referred to as Kinjō Tennō (ja: 今上天皇; "the Reigning Emperor") or Tennō Heika (ja: 天皇陛下; "His Majesty the Emperor"). To be posthumously known as "Emperor Reiwa" (ja: 令和天皇). |