Insei facts for kids

Insei (院政), also known as "cloistered rule," was a special way of governing in ancient Japan. It meant that an emperor would step down from their official role, but still keep a lot of power. Even though a new emperor was chosen, the 'retired' emperor would still be in charge behind the scenes. They gave up the busy public duties but kept their real influence over the country.

While some emperors retired before and after, the Insei system is mostly known for how Emperor Shirakawa started it in 1086. This system was very important in the years before the Kamakura shogunate began in 1192.

The Insei System in the Heian Period

The way power was passed down in the Insei system could be quite tricky. When an emperor retired, they were called a "cloistered emperor" (Insei emperor). They would then guide the new, often younger, emperor. This meant the retired emperor still made the big decisions.

For example, Emperor Shirakawa retired in 1086. But he continued to rule Japan from behind the scenes for many years. He guided his son, Emperor Horikawa, and later his grandson, Emperor Toba. This allowed him to keep control and influence important choices.

Later, Emperor Toba also became a powerful cloistered emperor. He guided his sons, Emperor Sutoku and Emperor Konoe. This shows how the power could shift between different retired emperors.

The last powerful cloistered emperor was Emperor Go-Shirakawa. He ruled from behind the scenes for a long time. He guided several emperors, including Emperor Nijō, Emperor Rokujō, Emperor Takakura, Emperor Antoku, and Emperor Go-Toba. His time as a cloistered emperor ended just before the start of the Kamakura shogunate.

Insei in the Edo Period

The idea of a retired emperor still holding power didn't last forever. The last emperor to have an Insei title was Emperor Reigen. This happened much later, during the Edo period in Japan.