Emperor Go-Fushimi

	Emperor Go-Fushimi
	;
Born	1288
Died	1336
Nationality	Japanese
Occupation	Emperor of Japan; cloistered emperor
Known for	Restoration of Jimyōin line rule; Kamakura-enforced alternation of succession
Notable work	Reassertion of Jimyōin claims under shogunal arbitration

Emperor Go-Fushimi (後伏見天皇; traditionally Go-Fushimi Tennō) is regarded as the ninety-second emperor of Japan. He reigned from 1287 to 1298 CE during the Kamakura period. His reign is historically attested and is significant for restoring the Jimyōin line to the throne following Daikakuji dominance, under direct supervision by the Kamakura shogunate.

Go-Fushimi’s reign illustrates the extent to which imperial succession had become a managed process imposed from outside the court.

Historical context

By the late 13th century, imperial succession was effectively regulated by the Kamakura shogunate, which enforced alternating rule between the Jimyōin and Daikakuji lines to prevent renewed conflict.

The imperial court’s autonomy was minimal, and emperors functioned primarily as legitimizing figures within a warrior-controlled system.

Accession

Emperor Go-Fushimi ascended the throne in 1287 following the abdication of Emperor Go-Uda.

His accession was imposed by the shogunate to restore balance between the rival imperial lines and reduce factional instability.

Reign

Go-Fushimi’s reign was ceremonial in nature.

Court administration and governance remained firmly under shogunal authority, while the emperor’s role focused on ritual observance, court ceremony, and dynastic continuity.

Succession arrangements

Go-Fushimi’s reign was shaped by succession planning.

Under shogunal direction, it was agreed that future emperors would alternate between the Jimyōin and Daikakuji lines, institutionalizing dynastic division rather than resolving it.

Abdication

In 1298, Go-Fushimi abdicated in favor of Emperor Go-Nijō of the Daikakuji line.

This abdication complied with shogunal demands and reaffirmed the enforced alternation system.

Cloistered rule

After abdication, Go-Fushimi ruled as a cloistered emperor.

From retirement, he continued to support the Jimyōin line and influence court politics within the limits allowed by Kamakura authorities.

Cultural activity

Go-Fushimi participated in court cultural life, including poetry and ritual observance.

Such activities reinforced imperial prestige despite the absence of political power.

Death

Emperor Go-Fushimi died in 1336.

His death coincided with the collapse of the Kamakura shogunate and the outbreak of the Northern and Southern Courts conflict.

Sources and historiography

Go-Fushimi’s reign is documented in court chronicles and Kamakura administrative records.

Historiography treats his reign as emblematic of shogunal control over imperial succession.

Historical assessment

Emperor Go-Fushimi is regarded as a representative figure of late Kamakura imperial rule.

Interpretation emphasizes managed legitimacy: imperial authority persisted only through compliance with warrior governance.

Role in imperial tradition

Go-Fushimi’s reign reinforced the precedent that emperors ruled at the discretion of the shogunate.

The alternation system he upheld would later collapse, contributing to the dynastic civil war of the 14th century.