Emperor Kinmei

Kinmei (509–571), the 29th emperor, reigned from 539 and is often regarded as the first historically verifiable Yamato sovereign. A son of Emperor Keitai, he succeeded his half-brother Senka and ruled with Soga no Iname and Mononobe no Okoshi as chief counselors.

In 552 King Seong of Baekje sent a Buddha image and scriptures, marking Buddhism's official arrival in Japan and opening the Soga–Mononobe feud. Silla overran Japan's Korean foothold of Mimana, and his expeditions failed to retake it. Four of his children later became sovereigns.