Emperor Go-Shirakawa

Reign: 1155 – 1158
Life: 1127–1192

His de jure reign spanned the years from 1155 through 1158, though arguably he effectively maintained imperial power for almost thirty-seven years through the insei system, scholars differ as to whether his rule can be truly considered part of the insei system, given that the Hōgen Rebellion undermined the imperial position. Posthumously, this 12th-century sovereign was named after the 11th-century Emperor Shirakawa. He was de facto the last true emperor, before the shogun became the actual head of the country after Go-Shirakawa's death in 1192 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

During Emperor Go-Shirakawa's reign, Henry II of England ruled England, Afonso I of Portugal ruled Portugal, and Saint Erik ruled Sweden.

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.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

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