Recommended read
A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower
Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez
A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.
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.
Charles VII of France
France
1422–1461
Henry VI of England
England
1422–1461; 1470–1471
Afonso V of Portugal
Portugal
1438–1481
Murad II
Ottoman Empire
1421–1444; 1446–1451
Mehmed II
Ottoman Empire
1444–1446; 1451–1481
Alfonso V of Aragon
Spain
1416–1458
Ashikaga Yoshinori
Japan (Shogunate)
1429–1441
Louis XI of France
France
1461–1483
Pope Nicholas V
Papacy
1447–1455
John I of Portugal
Portugal
1385–1433
Edward, King of Portugal
Portugal
1433–1438
James II of Scotland
Scotland
1437–1460
John VIII Palaiologos
Rome
1425–1448
Emperor Yingzong of Ming
China
1435–1449; 1457–1464
Pope Eugene IV
Papacy
1431–1447
Ashikaga Yoshimasa
Japan (Shogunate)
1449–1474
Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1452–1493
Jingtai Emperor
China
1449–1457
Xuande Emperor
China
1425–1435
John II of Aragon
Spain
1458–1479
James I of Scotland
Scotland
1406–1437
Edward IV of England
England
1461–1470; 1471–1483
Constantine XI Palaiologos
Rome
1449–1453
Karl Knutsson
Sweden
1448–1457; 1464–1465
Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1433–1437
Pope Pius II
Papacy
1458–1464
James III of Scotland
Scotland
1460–1488
Christian I of Denmark
Sweden
1457–1464
Christopher of Bavaria
Sweden
1441–1448
Erik of Pomerania
Sweden
1396–1434; 1435–1436; 1436–1439
Pope Callixtus III
Papacy
1455–1458
Pope Martin V
Papacy
1417–1431
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Go deeper on Emperor Go-Hanazono
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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