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.
Suleiman the Magnificent
Ottoman Empire
1520–1566
Henry VIII of England
England
1509–1547
Jiajing Emperor of Ming
China
1521–1567
Charles V
Spain
1516–1556
Humayun
Mughal Empire
1531–1540; 1555–1556
Charles V
Holy Roman Empire
1519–1556
John III of Portugal
Portugal
1521–1557
Gustav I of Sweden
Sweden
1523–1560
Babur
Mughal Empire
1526–1531
Mary I
England
1553–1558
Francis I of France
France
1515–1547
Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1605
Ashikaga Yoshiharu
Japan (Shogunate)
1522–1547
James V of Scotland
Scotland
1513–1542
Mary, Queen of Scots
Scotland
1542–1567
Henry II of France
France
1547–1559
Pope Paul III
Papacy
1534–1549
Edward VI of England
England
1547–1553
Ashikaga Yoshiteru
Japan (Shogunate)
1547–1565
Pope Clement VII
Papacy
1523–1534
Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1598
Pope Julius III
Papacy
1550–1555
Pope Paul IV
Papacy
1555–1559
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-Nara
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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