Born in 1127, fourth son of Emperor Toba. With little prospect of succession, he ascended the throne in 1155 only after Emperor Konoe died childless. After reigning just three years, he abdicated in favor of Emperor Nijo and then conducted cloistered rule for over 30 years. He emerged victorious in the Hogen Rebellion (1156) and used Taira no Kiyomori to crush the Heiji Rebellion (1159). Throughout the Genpei War he skillfully maneuvered Kiyomori, Yoritomo, and Yoshitsune against each other, constantly seeking to concentrate power in his own hands. He tried to use Yoshitsune against Yoritomo but ultimately had to yield after years of sparring with Kamakura. He continued to drive politics until shortly before his death in 1192. An obsessive lover of imayo popular songs, he personally compiled the anthology "Ryojin Hisho" with over a thousand verses. Called "the greatest tengu in Japan" by Yoritomo, he dominated the imperial court for over three decades. He died in 1192 at age 66.

A master of political intrigue who was also a passionate lover of imayo songs. Shrewdly shifted alliances to maintain his own power base throughout decades of turmoil.

Embodied the peak of cloistered rule. Survived the Genpei War and preserved imperial authority. "Ryojin Hisho" remains a treasure of medieval Japanese literature.