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.
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196
Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195
Richard I of England
England
1189–1199
Philip II of France
France
1180–1223
Henry II of England
England
1154–1189
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214
Minamoto no Yoritomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1192–1199
Peter II of Aragon
Spain
1196–1213
Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204
Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185
Emperor Zhangzong of Jin
China
1189–1209
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
Henry VI
Holy Roman Empire
1191–1197
Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1189
Emperor Guangzong of Song
China
1189–1194
Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189
Pope Celestine III
Papacy
1191–1198
Emperor Ningzong of Song
China
1194–1224
Alexios III Angelos
Rome
1195–1203
Andronikos I Komnenos
Rome
1183–1185
Pope Clement III
Papacy
1188–1191
Sverker II of Sweden
Sweden
1195–1208
Pope Lucius III
Papacy
1181–1185
Emperor Antoku
Japan
1180–1185
Pope Urban III
Papacy
1185–1187
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-Toba
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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