Emperor Shirakawa

Emperor Shirakawa (1053–1129), personal name Sadahito, was the 72nd emperor of Japan and the founder of cloistered rule. The son of Emperor Go-Sanjō, he reigned from 1073, seeking to rule directly and keep the Fujiwara regent houses in check; in 1077 he founded Hosshō-ji temple.

In 1087 he abdicated in favour of his young son Horikawa, and for the next 43 years directed government from his retirement palace. Ordained a monk in 1096, he kept power until his death in 1129.