Takahira, Emperor Go-Toba

Takahira, Emperor Go-Toba Historical Figure Nationality: Japan Year of Birth: 1180 Year of Death: 1239 Cause of Death: Natural causes Religion: Buddhism House: Yamato Political Office(s): Emperor of Japan Fictional Appearances: "Character" Metafictional Fantasy Type of Appearance: Contemporary reference Takahira, who reigned as 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. Takahira ascended to the throne as a child during a period of intense upheaval in the country, as the Minamoto clan attempted to replace the Taira clan's position in the emperor's inner circle. By 1185, the Minamoto, under the lead of Minamoto no Yoritomo, had completely vanquished the Taira clan, and established themselves in the imperial court. In 1192, Go-Toba made Minamoto no Yoritomo shogun, who in turn made the position of shogun the military head of government and dictator of the country under Kamakura shogunate. Go-Toba was reduced to a mere figurehead. Go-Toba abdicated in 1198, and became a "cloistered emperor", maintaining a measure of de facto power even if he was no longer the de jure emperor. In 1221, he attempted to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate, but was defeated and sent into exile on the Oki Islands, where he died in 1239. Takahira, Emperor Go-Toba in "Character" Steve, a fictional character who understood he was fictional, was sent back in time to medieval Japan by his author. His mind inhabited the body of the legendary Benkei concurrently with the period of time when Minamoto Yoritomo's became shogun and reduced the Emperor to a mere figurehead. References Royal offices (OTL) Preceded by Emperor Antoku Emperor of Japan 1183–1198 Succeeded by Emperor Tsuchimikado