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.
Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1605
Elizabeth I of England
England
1558–1603
Wanli Emperor
China
1572–1620
Mehmed III
Ottoman Empire
1595–1603
Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1576–1612
James VI and I
England
1603–1625
Ahmed I
Ottoman Empire
1603–1617
Murad III
Ottoman Empire
1574–1595
James VI and I
Scotland
1587–1625
Henry IV of France
France
1589–1610
Jahangir I
Mughal Empire
1605–1627
John III of Sweden
Sweden
1568–1592
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Japan (Shogunate)
1603–1605
Philip III of Spain
Spain
1598–1621
Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1598
Pope Clement VIII
Papacy
1592–1605
Philip III of Spain
Portugal
1598–1621
Philip II of Spain
Portugal
1580–1598
Henry III of France
France
1574–1589
Pope Paul V
Papacy
1605–1621
Tokugawa Hidetada
Japan (Shogunate)
1605–1623
Louis XIII of France
France
1610–1617; 1617–1643
Charles IX of Sweden
Sweden
1604–1611
Sigismund III Vasa
Sweden
1592–1599
Pope Sixtus V
Papacy
1585–1590
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-Yōzei
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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