Emperor Go-Toba

Emperor Go-Toba (後鳥羽天皇, Go-Toba-tennō) (August 6, 1180 – March 28, 1239) was the 82nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1183 through 1198.

This 12th-century sovereign was named after Emperor Toba, and go- (後), translates literally as "later"; and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Toba". The Japanese word go has also been translated to mean the "second one"; and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Toba the Second" or as "Toba II".

Genealogy

Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Takahira-shinnō (尊成親王). He was also known as Takanari-shinnō

He was the fourth son of Emperor Takakura, and thus grandson of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. His mother was Bōmon Shokushi (坊門殖子) (Empress Dowager Shichijō-in, 七条院), daughter of Bōmon Nobutaka (坊門信隆) of the Fujiwara clan.

Consorts and children

Empress (chūgū): Empress Dowager Gishūmon-in (宜秋門院) Fujiwara no Ninshi/Takako (藤原任子) (1173–1239), daughter of regent Kujō Kanezane (九条兼実)