Emperor Kōmei

Reign: 1846 – 1867
Life: 1831–1867

Kōmei's reign spanned the years from 1846 through 1867, corresponding to the final years of the Edo period. During his reign there was much internal turmoil as a result of Japan's first major contact with the United States, which occurred under Matthew C. Perry in 1853 and 1854, and the subsequent forced re-opening of Japan to Western nations, ending a 220-year period of national seclusion. Emperor Kōmei did not care much for anything foreign, and he opposed opening Japan to Western powers.

During Emperor Kōmei's reign, Isabella II of Spain ruled Spain, Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria, and William III of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

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

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Kōmei

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

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.

Find this book on Amazon

A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
Find on Amazon