Emperor Go-Daigo

Reign: 1318 – 1339
Life: 1288–1339

He successfully overthrew the Kamakura shogunate in 1333 and established the short-lived Kenmu Restoration to bring the Imperial House back into power. The Kenmu restoration was in turn overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336, ushering in the Ashikaga shogunate. The overthrow split the imperial family into two opposing factions between the Ashikaga backed Northern Court situated in Kyoto and the Southern Court based in Yoshino. The Southern Court was led by Go-Daigo and his later successors.

During Emperor Go-Daigo's reign, Afonso IV of Portugal ruled Portugal, Orhan ruled Ottoman Empire, and Edward III of England ruled England.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Go-Daigo

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A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

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A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.

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