Emperor Go-Uda

	Emperor Go-Uda
	;
Born	1267
Died	1324
Nationality	Japanese
Occupation	Emperor of Japan; cloistered emperor
Known for	Reign under Kamakura shogunate; consolidation of the Daikakuji line
Notable work	Maintenance of Daikakuji succession against Jimyōin claims

Emperor Go-Uda (後宇多天皇; traditionally Go-Uda Tennō) is regarded as the ninety-first emperor of Japan. He reigned from 1274 to 1287 CE during the Kamakura period. His reign is historically attested and is significant for strengthening the position of the Daikakuji line amid ongoing dynastic rivalry with the Jimyōin line, under firm shogunal supervision.

Go-Uda’s reign reflects the court’s transformation into a lineage-centered institution operating within externally imposed constraints.

Historical context

By the late 13th century, the Kamakura shogunate, ruled by the Hōjō regents, exercised decisive control over imperial succession.

The imperial court’s political activity centered on internal succession maneuvering rather than governance, with both major imperial lines seeking shogunal favor.

Accession

Emperor Go-Uda ascended the throne in 1274 following the abdication of his father, Emperor Kameyama.

His accession marked a deviation from strict alternation between the two lines and intensified rivalry with the Jimyōin faction.

Reign

Go-Uda’s reign was ceremonial, with no independent political authority.

Court administration, judicial authority, and military affairs were controlled by the shogunate.

The emperor’s role focused on ritual, legitimacy, and dynastic continuity.

Succession tension

Go-Uda’s reign heightened succession disputes.

The Jimyōin line challenged the legitimacy of Daikakuji dominance, prompting the shogunate to intervene repeatedly to manage imperial claims.

These disputes eroded the court’s autonomy further.

Abdication

In 1287, Go-Uda abdicated in favor of Emperor Go-Fushimi of the Jimyōin line.

This abdication was imposed under shogunal arbitration to restore alternating succession and reduce conflict.

Cloistered rule

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

He remained a central figure within the Daikakuji faction, supporting his descendants’ claims to future succession.

Cultural and religious activity

Go-Uda was active in court culture, particularly poetry and ritual observance.

He also engaged in Buddhist practice, a common path for retired emperors seeking influence outside formal rule.

Death

Emperor Go-Uda died in 1324.

His death removed a key Daikakuji strategist but did not resolve dynastic rivalry.

Sources and historiography

Go-Uda’s reign is recorded in court chronicles and Kamakura administrative documents.

Historiography treats his reign as structurally important for succession politics rather than governance.

Historical assessment

Emperor Go-Uda is regarded as a consolidator of the Daikakuji line under shogunal constraint.

Interpretation emphasizes accommodation: dynastic survival depended on negotiation rather than authority.

Role in imperial tradition

Go-Uda’s reign reinforced the precedent that succession disputes would be resolved by warrior governments rather than the court itself.

This dependency set the stage for deeper imperial fragmentation in the 14th century.