Japanese Rulers

Question 1

Hirohito

Answer 1

The Japanese emperor during World War II. He sided with Hitler and had to renounce the idea of his divinity after Japan was defeated in this war.

Question 2

Akihito

Answer 2

The current emperor of Japan. He acts as a symbol for the country, as the emperor no longer has a lot of power.

Question 3

Ojin

Answer 3

The Yamato period’s first emperor. His rule can’t be totally confirmed by history, so he is considered to be Japan’s last ‘legendary emperor.’

Question 4

Shirakawa

Answer 4

A Japanese emperor who was in power during the 11th century. He actually gave up the throne to his son because he was frustrated by a powerful family.

Question 5

Mutsuhito

Answer 5

He was emperor during the Meiji Restoration and was called Emperor Meiji after his death. It was during his rule that the country of Japan developed a constitution.

Question 6

Kotoko

Answer 6

An emperor from the 7th century who brought Buddhist ideals and thoughts from Confucianism into the government in Japan. He enacted the Taika Reforms.

Question 7

Prince Shotoku Taishi

Answer 7

Though he wasn’t given the title of emperor, he ruled as prince regent during Japan’s Asuka period, which lasted from 538-710.

Question 8

Nintoku

Answer 8

Historians treat him as the first Japanese emperor to be confirmed by history. Some believe he worked on large projects related to engineering for the country.

Question 9

Jimmu

Answer 9

He was the legendary ruler believed to have led the Japanese people to their lands. He was seen as a semi-divine descendant of Amaterasu. He is the legendary first Japanese emperor.

Question 10

Amaterasu

Answer 10

The sun goddess in Japanese mythology. She was considered to be an ancestor of the first emperor, giving the title a cultural and religious power.