Alternative History
Emperor of Japan
天皇
Imperial
Standard of the Japanese Emperor
Standard of the emperor of Japan
Incumbent
Emperor Naruhito
Naruhito
since 1 May 2019
Details
Style His Majesty (陛下)
Heir presumptive Crown Prince Fumihito
First monarch Emperor Jimmu (mythical)
Emperor Kinmei (historical)
Formation 11 February 660 BC
Residence Tokyo Imperial Palace (official residence)

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 Tennō Jimmu image 01 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 Suizei thumb 1 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 Tennō Annei thumb 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 Tennō Itoku thumb 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 Tennō Kōshō thumb 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 Tennō Kōan thumb 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 Tennō Kōrei thumb 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 Tennō Kōgen thumb 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 Tennō Kaika thumb 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 Emperor Sujin 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 Emperor Suinin 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 Emperor Keikō 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 Emperor Seimu 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 Tennō Chūaii thumb 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.
Kaiserin Jingū 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 Emperor Ōjin 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 Tennō Nintoku 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 Emperor Richū 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Ingyō 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 Emperor Ankō 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 Tennō Yūryaku detail 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 Orekidai seinei 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 Emperor Kenzō 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 Emperor Ninken 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Statue of Emperor Keitai 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 Magari
ja:
Emperor Ankan
ja: 安閑天皇
534–535
(1 year)
466–535
(69 years)

Son of Emperor Keitai.
28 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Kinmei 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Yomeitenno 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Empress Suiko 2 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Empress Kogyoku-Saimei Takara
ja:
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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 Karu
ja:
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 Empress Kogyoku-Saimei Takara
ja:
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 Emperor Tenji 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 Emperor Kōbun 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 Emperor Tenmu 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 Empress Jito by Katsukawa Shunsho 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 Emperor Monmu portrait 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 Empress Gemmei 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 Empress Genshō Tsubosaka-dera 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 Emperor Shomu Obito
ja:
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 Empress Koken 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Empress Koken 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 Emperor Kōnin 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 Emperor Kammu large 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Saga large 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 淳和天皇 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 仁明天皇 日本の第54代天皇 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 Emperor Montoku 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 Emperor Seiwa 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 Hyakuninisshu 013 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 Tennō Kōkō 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 Emperor Uda crop 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 Emperor Daigo 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Murakami cropped Nariakira
ja: 成明
Emperor Murakami
ja: 村上天皇
946–967
(21 years)

Tengyō, Tenryaku, Tentoku, Ōwa, Kōhō
924–967
(42 years)


Son of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku.
924–967
(42 years)

Son of Emperor Daigo; younger brother of Emperor Suzaku.
63 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Tennō Kazan detail 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 Emperor Ichijō 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 Emperor Sanjō 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Gosanjō 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 Emperor Shirakawa 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 堀河天皇 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 Emperor Toba 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 Emperor Sutoku2 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 Emperor Konoe by Kōtarō Miyake 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 Emperor Go-Shirakawa2 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 Nijotenno 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 Emperor Rokujō by Kōtarō Miyake 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 Emperor Takakura 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 Emperor Antoku 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 Emperor Go-Toba 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 Emperor Tsuchimikado 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 Emperor Juntoku large 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 Emperor Chūkyō by Kōtarō Miyake 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 Emperor Go-Horikawa 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 Emperor Shijō 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 Emperor Go-Saga 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 Emperor Go-Fukakusa 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 Emperor Kameyama 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 Emperor Go-Uda 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 Emperor Fushimi 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 Emperor Go-Fushimi 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 Emperor Go-Nijō 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 Tennō Hanazono detail 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 Emperor Godaigo 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 Emperor Go-Murakami cropped 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 Japanese Imperial Seal 2 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 Emperor Go-Kameyama 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) Emperor Kōgon 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) Emperor Kōmyō 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) Emperor Sukō 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) Emperor Go-Kōgon 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) Emperor Go-En'yū detail 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) Emperor Go-Komatsu 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 Emperor Shōkō by Kōtarō Miyake 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 Emperor Go-Hanazono2 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 Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado 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 Emperor Go-Kashiwabara 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 Emperor Go-Nara 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 Emperor Ogimachi 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 Emperor Go-Yozei3 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 Emperor Go-Mizunoo3 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 Meisho of Japan 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 Emperor Go-Kōmyō 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 Emperor Go-Sai 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 Emperor Reigen 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 Emperor Higashiyama 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 Emperor Nakamikado 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 Emperor Sakuramachi 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 Emperor Momozono 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 Empress Go-Sakuramachi 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 Emperor Go-Momozono 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 Emperor Kōkaku 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 Emperor Ninkō 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 Emperor Komei Portrait by Koyama Shotaro 1902 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 Meiji emperor color portrait 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 Emperor Taishō of Japan 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 Showa Emperor 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 Heisei Emperor 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 Emperor Naruhito 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).