List of Japanese people

This is a list of notable Japanese people.

To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are Japanese.

Architects edit

Artists edit

Athletes edit

Authors edit

Company founders edit

Educators edit

Emperors edit

No.ReignPortraitPosthumous namePersonal name (imina)Notes
Legendary Emperors
1660 BC–585 BCE Emperor JimmuKan'yamato Iwarebiko  presumed legendary; claimed descent from the sun goddess, Amaterasu[6]
2581 BCE–549 BCE Emperor SuizeiKamu Nunagawamimi no Mikoto  presumed legendary;[7] 3rd son of Jimmu[8]
3549 BCE–511 BCE Emperor AnneiShikitsuhiko Tamademi no Mikoto  presumed legendary;[9] son and heir of Suizei[8]
4510 BCE–476 BCE Emperor ItokuOho Yamatohiko Sukitomo no Mikoto  presumed legendary;[9] 2nd son of Annei[8]
5475 BCE–393 BCE Emperor KōshōMimatsuhiko Kaeshine no Mikoto  presumed legendary;[10] son and heir of Itoku[8]
6392 BCE–291 BCE Emperor KōanOho Yamato Tarasihiko Kunioshi Hito no Mikoto  presumed legendary;[11] 2nd son of Kōshō[8]
7290 BCE–215 BCE Emperor KōreiOho Yamato Nekohiko Futoni no Mikotopresumed legendary[12]
8214 BCE–158 BCE Emperor KōgenOho Yamato Nekohiko Kuni Kuru no Mikotopresumed legendary[13]
9157 BCE–98 BCE Emperor KaikaWaka Yamato Nekohiko Oho Bibino no Mikotopresumed legendary[14]
1097 BCE–30 BCE Emperor SujinMimaki Irihiko Inie no Mikotofirst emperor with a direct possibility of existence[15]
1129 BCE–70 CE Emperor SuininIkume Irihiko Isachi no Mikoto[16]
1271–130 Emperor KeikōOho Tarasihiko Osirowake no Mikoto[17]
13131–191 Emperor SeimuWaka Tarasihiko[18]
14192–200 Emperor ChūaiTarasi Nakatsuhiko no Mikoto[19]
201–269 Empress JingūOkinaga Tarashihime no MikotoServed as regent for Emperor Ōjin; not counted among the officially numbered emperors[20]
Kofun period
15270–310 Emperor ŌjinHonda no Sumera-mikoto / Ōtomowake no Mikoto / Homutawake no MikotoLast proto-historical emperor, deified as Hachiman[21]
16313–399 Emperor NintokuŌ Sazaki no MikotoInaccurate dates[22]
17400–405 Emperor RichūIsaho Wake no MikotoInaccurate dates[23]
18406–410 Emperor HanzeiTajihi Mizuha Wake no MikotoInaccurate dates[24]
19411–453 Emperor IngyōWo Asazuma Wakugo no SukuneInaccurate dates.[25]
20453–456 Emperor AnkōAnaho no MikotoInaccurate dates.[26]
21456–479 Emperor YūryakuOho Hatsuse Wakatakeru no MikotoInaccurate dates.[27]
22480–484 Emperor SeineiSiraka Takehiro Kuni Osi Waka Yamato Neko no MikotoInaccurate dates.[28]
23485–487 Emperor KenzōOhoke no MikotoInaccurate dates.[29]
24488–498 Emperor NinkenOhosi(Ohosu) no Mikoto/ Simano IratsukoInaccurate dates.[30]
25498–506 Emperor BuretsuWohatsuse WakasazakiInaccurate dates.[31]
26507–531 Emperor KeitaiŌto/Hikofuto (Hikofuto no Mikoto/Ōdo no Sumera Mikoto)Genealogy from this point is considered accurate.[32]
27531–535 Emperor AnkanHirokuni Oshitake Kanahi no MikotoInaccurate dates.[33]
28535–539 Emperor SenkaTakeo Hirokuni Oshitate no MikotoInaccurate dates.[34]
Asuka period (592–710)
29539–571 Emperor KinmeiAmekuni Oshiharuki Hironiwa no Sumera MikotoTraditional dates.[35]
30572–585 Emperor BidatsuOsada no Nunakura no Futotamashiki no MikotoTraditional dates.[36]
31585–587 Emperor YōmeiOoe/Tachibana no Toyohi no Sumera MikotoTraditional dates.[37]
32587–592 Emperor SushunHatsusebe no (Wakasasagi) MikotoTraditional dates.[38]
33592–628 Empress SuikoNukatabe/Toyomike KashikiyahimeFirst non-legendary female emperor (Prince Shotoku acted as her regent); traditional dates.[39]
34629–641 Emperor JomeiTamura (Oki Nagatarashihi Hironuka no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[40]
35642–645 Empress KōgyokuTakara (Ame Toyotakaraikashi Hitarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates,[41] reigned twice
36645–654 Emperor KōtokuKaru (Ame Yorozu Toyohi no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[42]
37655–661 Empress SaimeiTakara (Ame Toyotakaraikashi Hitarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto)Second reign of Empress Kōgyoku (35), traditional dates.[43]
38661–672 Emperor TenjiKatsuragi/Nakano-ooe (Ame Mikoto Hirakasuwake no Mikoto/Amatsu Mikoto Sakiwake no Mikoto)Traditional dates.[44]
39672 Emperor KōbunŌtomoPosthumously named (1870),[45] usurped by Temmu
40672–686 Emperor TenmuŌama/Ohoshiama/Ōsama (Ame no Nunahara Oki no Mahito no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[46]
41686–697 Empress JitōUnonosarara (Takama no Harahiro no Hime no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[47]
42697–707 Emperor MonmuKaru (Ame no Mamune Toyoohoji no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[48]
43707–715 Empress GenmeiAhe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Mishiro Toyokuni Narihime no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[49]
Nara period (710–794)
43707–715 Empress GenmeiAhe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Mishiro Toyokuni Narihime no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[49]
44715–724 Empress GenshōHidaka/Niinomi (Yamatoneko Takamizu Kiyotarashi Hime no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[50]
45724–749 Emperor ShōmuObito (Ameshirushi Kunioshiharuki Toyosakurahiko no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates.[51]
46749–758 Empress KōkenAbe (Yamatoneko no Sumera Mikoto)Traditional dates,[52] reigned twice
47758–764 Emperor JunninŌiPosthumously named (1870),[53] dethroned by Shōtoku
48764–770 Empress ShōtokuAbe (Yamatoneko no Sumera Mikoto)Second reign of Empress Kōken (46), traditional dates.[54]
49770–781 Emperor KōninShirakabe (Amemune Takatsugi no Mikoto)Traditional dates.[55]
50781–806 Emperor KanmuYamabe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Hitsugi Iyaderi no Mikoto)Traditional dates.[56]
Heian period (794–1185)
50781–806 Emperor KanmuYamabe (Yamatoneko Amatsu Hitsugi Iyaderi no Mikoto)Traditional dates.[56]
51806–809 Emperor HeizeiAte (Yamatoneko Ameoshikuni Takahiko no Mikoto)Traditional dates.[57]
52809–823 Emperor SagaKaminoTraditional dates.[58]
53823–833 Emperor JunnaŌtomoTraditional dates.[59]
54833–850 Emperor NinmyōMasaraTraditional dates.[60]
55850–858 Emperor MontokuMichiyasuTraditional dates.[61]
56858–876 Emperor SeiwaKorehitoTraditional dates.[62]
57876–884 Emperor YōzeiSadaakiraTraditional dates.[63]
58884–887 Emperor KōkōTokiyasuTraditional dates.[64]
59887–897 Emperor UdaSadamiTraditional dates.[65]
60897–930 Emperor DaigoAtsuhitoTraditional dates.[66]
61930–946Emperor SuzakuYutaakiraTraditional dates.[67]
62946–967 Emperor MurakamiNariakiraTraditional dates.[68]
63967–969 Emperor ReizeiNorihiraTraditional dates.[69]
64969–984 Emperor En'yūMorihiraTraditional dates.[70]
65984–986 Emperor KazanMorosadaTraditional dates.[71]
66986–1011 Emperor IchijōYasuhito/KanehitoTraditional dates.[72]
671011–1016 Emperor SanjōOkisada/IyasadaTraditional dates.[73]
681016–1036 Emperor Go-IchijōAtsuhiraTraditional dates.[74]
691036–1045 Emperor Go-SuzakuAtsunaga/AtsuyoshiTraditional dates.[75]
701045–1068 Emperor Go-ReizeiChikahitoTraditional dates.[76]
711068–1073 Emperor Go-SanjōTakahitoTraditional dates.[77]
721073–1086 Emperor ShirakawaSadahitoTraditional dates.[78]
731087–1107 Emperor HorikawaTaruhitoTraditional dates.[79]
741107–1123 Emperor TobaMunehitoTraditional dates.[80]
751123–1142 Emperor SutokuAkihitoTraditional dates.[81]
761142–1155 Emperor KonoeNarihitoTraditional dates.[82]
771155–1158 Emperor Go-ShirakawaMasahitoTraditional dates.[83]
781158–1165 Emperor NijōMorihitoTraditional dates.[84]
791165–1168 Emperor RokujōYorihitoTraditional dates.[85]
801168–1180 Emperor TakakuraNorihitoTraditional dates.[85]
811180–1185 Emperor AntokuTokihitoTraditional dates.[86]
Kamakura period (1185–1333)
821183–1198 Emperor Go-TobaTakahiraTraditional dates.[87]
831198–1210 Emperor TsuchimikadoTamehitoTraditional dates.[88]
841210–1221 Emperor JuntokuMorihira/MorinariTraditional dates.[89]
851221 Emperor ChūkyōKanehira/KanenariPosthumously named (1870)[90]
861221–1232 Emperor Go-HorikawaYutahitoTraditional dates.[91]
871232–1242 Emperor ShijōMitsuhito/HidehitoTraditional dates.[92]
881242–1246 Emperor Go-SagaKunihitoTraditional dates.[93]
891246–1260 Emperor Go-FukakusaHisahitoTraditional dates.[94]
901260–1274 Emperor KameyamaTsunehitoTraditional dates.[95]
911274–1287 Emperor Go-UdaYohitoTraditional dates.[96]
921287–1298 Emperor FushimiHirohitoTraditional dates.[97]
931298–1301 Emperor Go-FushimiTanehitoTraditional dates.[98]
941301–1308 Emperor Go-NijōKuniharuTraditional dates.[99]
951308–1318 Emperor HanazonoTomihitoTraditional dates.[100]
961318–1339 Emperor Go-DaigoTakaharuTraditional dates;[101] Southern Court
Northern Court (1333–1392)
1331–1333 Emperor KōgonKazuhito[102]
1336–1348 Emperor KōmyōYutahito[103]
1348–1351 Emperor SukōOkihito[104]
1351–1352Interregnum
1352–1371 Emperor Go-KōgonIyahito[105]
1371–1382 Emperor Go-En'yūOhito[106]
1382–1392 Emperor Go-KomatsuMotohitoReunified courts in 1392, see 100 below[107]
Muromachi period (1333–1573)
961318–1339 Emperor Go-DaigoTakaharuTraditional dates;[101] Southern Court
971339–1368 Emperor Go-MurakamiNorinaga/Noriyoshi[108] Southern Court
981368–1383 Emperor ChōkeiYutanari[109] Southern Court
991383–1392 Emperor Go-KameyamaHironari[110] Southern Court
1001392–1412 Emperor Go-KomatsuMotohitoReunified courts, see also entry in Northern Court section.[111]
1011412–1428 Emperor ShōkōMihitoTraditional dates.[112]
1021428–1464 Emperor Go-HanazonoHikohitoTraditional dates.[113]
1031464–1500 Emperor Go-TsuchimikadoFusahitoTraditional dates.[114]
1041500–1526 Emperor Go-KashiwabaraKatsuhitoTraditional dates.[115]
1051526–1557 Emperor Go-NaraTomohitoTraditional dates.[116]
1061557–1586 Emperor ŌgimachiMichihitoTraditional dates.[117]
Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603)
1061557–1586 Emperor ŌgimachiMichihitoTraditional dates.[117]
1071586–1611 Emperor Go-YōzeiKazuhito/KatahitoTraditional dates.[118]
Edo period (1603–1868)
1071586–1611 Emperor Go-YōzeiKazuhito/KatahitoTraditional dates.[118]
1081611–1629 Emperor Go-Mizunoo
(Go-Minoo)
KotohitoTraditional dates.[119]
1091629–1643 Empress MeishōOkikoTraditional dates.[120]
1101643–1654 Emperor Go-KōmyōTsuguhitoTraditional dates.[121]
1111655–1663 Emperor Go-SaiNagahitoTraditional dates.[122]
1121663–1687 Emperor ReigenSatohitoTraditional dates.[123]
1131687–1709 Emperor HigashiyamaAsahitoTraditional dates.[124]
1141709–1735 Emperor NakamikadoYasuhitoTraditional dates.[125]
1151735–1747 Emperor SakuramachiTeruhitoTraditional dates.[126]
1161747–1762 Emperor MomozonoToohitoTraditional dates.[127]
1171762–1771 Empress Go-SakuramachiToshikoTraditional dates.[128]
1181771–1779 Emperor Go-MomozonoHidehitoTraditional dates.[129]
1191780–1817 Emperor KōkakuTomohitoTraditional dates.[130]
1201817–1846 Emperor NinkōAyahitoTraditional dates.[131]
1211846–1867 Emperor KōmeiOsahito
Modern Japan (Imperial and Postwar) (1867–present)
1221867–1912 Emperor MeijiMutsuhitoFirst Emperor of the Empire of Japan.
1231912–1926 Emperor TaishōYoshihitoCrown Prince Hirohito served as Sesshō (Prince Regent) 1921–1926.
1241926–1989 Emperor ShōwaHirohitoServed as Sesshō (Prince Regent) 1921–1926. Last Emperor of the Empire of Japan.
1251989–2019 Emperor AkihitoAkihitoReferred to as 'the Emperor Emeritus' or Daijō Tennō (i.e. His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus) in Japanese and as Emperor Akihito in English. His posthumous name is likely to be Emperor Heisei. He abdicated in 2019 in favor of his eldest son Naruhito. He was the first monarch since Emperor Kōkaku to do so.
1262019–present Emperor "Kinjō"
(Reigning monarch)
NaruhitoReferred to as 'the Present Emperor' or Tenno Heika (i.e. His Majesty the Emperor) in Japanese and as Emperor Naruhito in English. His posthumous name is likely to be Emperor Reiwa.

Historians edit

Military leaders edit

Samurai edit

A edit

B edit

C edit

D edit

E edit

F edit

G edit

H edit

I edit

K edit

M edit

N edit

O edit

R edit

S edit

T edit

U edit

W edit

Y edit

Kamakura shōguns edit

Grave of Minamoto no Yoritomo
  1. Minamoto no Yoritomo, r. 1192–1199[132]
  2. Minamoto no Yoriie, r. 1202–1203[133]
  3. Minamoto no Sanetomo, r. 1203–1219[134]
  4. Kujō Yoritsune, r. 1226–1244[135]
  5. Kujō Yoritsugu, r. 1244–1252[136]
  6. Prince Munetaka, r. 1252–1266[137]
  7. Prince Koreyasu, r. 1266–1289[138]
  8. Prince Hisaakira, r. 1289–1308[139]
  9. Prince Morikuni, r. 1308–1333[140]
  10. Prince Morinaga, r.1333–1334[141]
  11. Prince Norinaga, r. 1334–1338

Kamakura shikken edit

Site of Hōjō Takatoki's death
  1. Hōjō Tokimasa, r. 1203–1205[142]
  2. Hōjō Yoshitoki, r. 1205–1224[143]
  3. Hōjō Yasutoki, r. 1224–1242[144]
  4. Hōjō Tsunetoki, r. 1242–1246[145]
  5. Hōjō Tokiyori, r. 1246–1256[146]
  6. Hōjō Tokimune, r. 1268–1284[147]
  7. Hōjō Sadatoki, r. 1284–1301[148]
  8. Hōjō Morotoki, r. 1301–1311[149]
  9. Hōjō Takatoki, r. 1316–1326[150]

Ashikaga shōguns edit

  1. Ashikaga Takauji, ruled 1338–1358[151]
  2. Ashikaga Yoshiakira, r. 1359–1368[152]
  3. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, r. 1368–1394[153]
  4. Ashikaga Yoshimochi, r. 1395–1423[154]
  5. Ashikaga Yoshikazu, r. 1423–1425[155]
  6. Ashikaga Yoshinori, r. 1429–1441[156]
  7. Ashikaga Yoshikatsu, r. 1442–1443[157]
  8. Ashikaga Yoshimasa, r. 1449–1473[158]
  9. Ashikaga Yoshihisa, r. 1474–1489[159]
  10. Ashikaga Yoshitane, r. 1490–1493, 1508–1521[160]
  11. Ashikaga Yoshizumi, r. 1494–1508[161]
  12. Ashikaga Yoshiharu, r. 1521–1546[162]
  13. Ashikaga Yoshiteru, r. 1546–1565[163]
  14. Ashikaga Yoshihide, r. 1568[164]
  15. Ashikaga Yoshiaki, r. 1568–1573[165]

Tokugawa shōguns edit

NumberTokugawasTook officeLeft office
1 Tokugawa Ieyasu16031605
2 Tokugawa Hidetada16051623
3 Tokugawa Iemitsu16231651
4 Tokugawa Ietsuna16511680
5 Tokugawa Tsunayoshi16801709
6 Tokugawa Ienobu17091712
7 Tokugawa Ietsugu17131716
8 Tokugawa Yoshimune17161745
9 Tokugawa Ieshige17451760
10 Tokugawa Ieharu17601786
11 Tokugawa Ienari17861837
12 Tokugawa Ieyoshi18371853
13 Tokugawa Iesada1853August 14, 1858
14 Tokugawa IemochiAugust 14, 1858August 29, 1866
15 Tokugawa YoshinobuAugust 29, 1866November 19, 1867

Over the course of the Edo period, influential relatives of the shōgun included:

Pre-modern edit

Emperors edit

Commanders from loyal family edit

Commanders in Thirty-Eight Years' War edit

Modern edit

Musicians edit

Personalities edit

Comedians edit

Idols (male) edit

Idols (female) edit

Models edit

Musicians and singers (male) edit

Musicians and singers (female) edit

Tarento edit

Actors edit

Actresses edit

TV and radio personalities edit

Others edit

Prime Ministers edit

Meiji period (1868–1912) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Meiji

No.Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitNameTook OfficeLeft OfficeDays
1 Itō Hirobumi
伊藤 博文
Itō Hirobumi
(1841–1909)
22 December 188530 April 1888860None1. Itō I[171]
The first Prime Minister of the Empire of Japan.
2 Kuroda Kiyotaka
黑田 清隆
Kuroda Kiyotaka
(1840–1900)
30 April 188825 October 1889543None2. Kuroda[172]
Oversaw promulgation of the Meiji Constitution. Failed to secure revision of the unequal treaties; resigned.
Sanjō Sanetomi
三條 實美
Sanjō Sanetomi
(1837–1891)
25 October 188924 December 188960NoneSanjō (interim)
Upon the resignation of Kuroda’s government, the Emperor only accepted Kuroda’s resignation and invited Sanjō to head the government for two more months. Today, however, Sanjō’s government is generally regarded as a continuation of Kuroda’s. Held concurrently by the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
3 Yamagata Aritomo
山縣 有朋
Yamagata Aritomo
(1838–1922)
24 December 18896 May 1891498None3. Yamagata I1890[173]
4 Matsukata Masayoshi
松方 正義
Matsukata Masayoshi
(1835–1924)
6 May 18918 August 1892460None4. Matsukata I1892[174]
(1) Itō Hirobumi
伊藤 博文
Itō Hirobumi
(1841–1909)
8 August 189231 August 18961484None5. Itō IIMar. 1894
Sept. 1894
[171]
Resigned.
During this interval, Privy Council Chairman Kuroda Kiyotaka (黑田 清隆 Kuroda Kiyotaka) was the Acting Prime Minister.
(4) Matsukata Masayoshi
松方 正義
Matsukata Masayoshi
(1835–1924)
18 September 189612 January 1898481None6. Matsukata II[174]
(1) Itō Hirobumi
伊藤 博文
Itō Hirobumi
(1841–1909)
12 January 189830 June 1898169None7. Itō IIIMar. 1898[171]
5 Ōkuma Shigenobu
大隈 重信
Ōkuma Shigenobu
(1838–1922)
30 June 18988 November 1898131Kenseitō8. Ōkuma ISept. 1898[175]
(3) Yamagata Aritomo
山縣 有朋
Yamagata Aritomo
(1838–1922)
8 November 189819 October 1900710None9. Yamagata II[173]
(1) Itō Hirobumi
伊藤 博文
Itō Hirobumi
(1841–1909)
19 October 190010 May 1901203Rikken Seiyūkai10. Itō IV[171]
Resigned.
During this interval, Privy Council Chairman Saionji Kinmochi (西園寺 公望 Saionji Kinmochi) was the Acting Prime Minister.
6 Katsura Tarō
桂 太郎
Katsura Tarō
(1848–1913)
2 June 19017 January 19061680None (Retired General)11. Katsura I1902
1903
1904
[176]
7 Saionji Kinmochi
西園寺 公望
Saionji Kinmochi
(1849–1940)
7 January 190614 July 1908919Rikken Seiyūkai12. Saionji I1908[177]
(6) Katsura Tarō
桂 太郎
Katsura Tarō
(1848–1913)
14 July 190830 August 19111142None (Retired General)13. Katsura II[176]
(7) Saionji Kinmochi
西園寺 公望
Saionji Kinmochi
(1849–1940)
30 August 191121 December 1912479Rikken Seiyūkai14. Saionji II1912[177]

Taishō period (1912–1926) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Taishō

No.Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitNameTook OfficeLeft OfficeDays
(6) Katsura Tarō
桂 太郎
Katsura Tarō
(1848–1913)
21 December 191220 February 191361None (Retired General)15. Katsura III[176]
8 Yamamoto Gonnohyōe
山本 權兵衛
Yamamoto Gonnohyōe
(1852–1933)
20 February 191316 April 1914420Military (Navy)16. Yamamoto I[178]
(5) Ōkuma Shigenobu
大隈 重信
Ōkuma Shigenobu
(1838–1922)
16 April 19149 October 1916907Rikken Dōshikai17. Ōkuma II1915[175]
9 Terauchi Masatake
寺内 正毅
Terauchi Masatake
(1852–1919)
9 October 191629 September 1918720Military (Army)18. Terauchi1917[179]
10 Hara Takashi
原 敬
Hara Takashi
(1856–1921)
29 September 19184 November 19211132Rikken Seiyūkai19. Hara1920[180]
Assassinated.
During this interval, Foreign Minister Uchida Kosai (内田 康哉 Uchida Kōsai) was the Acting Prime Minister.
11 Takahashi Korekiyo
高橋 是清
Takahashi Korekiyo
(1854–1936)
13 November 192112 June 1922220Rikken Seiyūkai20. Takahashi[181]
12 Katō Tomosaburō
加藤 友三郎
Katō Tomosaburō
(1861–1923)
12 June 192224 August 1923438Military (Navy)21. Katō To.[182]
Died in office of natural causes.
During this interval, Foreign Minister Uchida Kosai (内田 康哉 Uchida Kōsai) was the Acting Prime Minister.
(8) Yamamoto Gonnohyōe
山本 權兵衛
Yamamoto Gonnohyōe
(1852–1933)
2 September 19237 January 1924125Military (Navy)22. Yamamoto II[178]
13 Kiyoura Keigo
清浦 奎吾
Kiyoura Keigo
(1850–1942)
7 January 192411 June 1924156None23. Kiyoura1924[183]
14 Katō Takaaki
加藤 高明
Katō Takaaki
(1860–1926)
11 June 19242 August 1925596Kenseikai24. Katō Ta.[184]
2 August 192528 January 1926
Resigned after the “Grand Coalition of the Three Pro-Constitution Parties” collapsed. Katō was then reinvited by the Prince Regent to form a new government with his own party, Kenseitō. Today, however, his second term is generally regarded as continuation of his first. Died in office of natural causes.
During this interval, Interior Minister Wakatsuki Reijirō (若槻 禮次郎 Wakatsuki Reijirō) was the Acting Prime Minister.
15 Wakatsuki Reijirō
若槻 禮次郎
Wakatsuki Reijirō
(1866–1949)
30 January 192620 April 1927445Kenseikai25. Wakatsuki I[185]

Shōwa period under 1890 Constitution (1926–1947) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Shōwa under 1890 Constitution

No.Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitNameTook OfficeLeft OfficeDays
16 Tanaka Giichi
田中 義一
Tanaka Giichi
(1864–1929)
20 April 19272 July 1929804Rikken Seiyūkai26. Tanaka G.1928[186]
17 Osachi Hamaguchi
濱口 雄幸
Hamaguchi Osachi
(1870–1931)
2 July 192914 April 1931651Rikken Minseitō27. Hamaguchi1930[187]
Incapacitated due to serious wound from assassination plot on 14 November 1930. Foreign Minister Shidehara Kijūrō served as Deputy Prime Minister until Hamaguchi’s return to the office on 10 March 1931.
(15) Wakatsuki Reijirō
若槻 禮次郎
Wakatsuki Reijirō
(1866–1949)
14 April 193113 December 1931243Rikken Minseitō28. Wakatsuki II[185]
18 Inukai Tsuyoshi
犬養 毅
Inukai Tsuyoshi
(1855–1932)
13 December 193115 May 1932154Rikken Seiyūkai29. Inukai1932[188]
Assassinated.
During this interval, Finance Minister Takahashi Korekiyo (高橋 是清 Takahashi Korekiyo) was the Acting Prime Minister.
19 Saitō Makoto
齋藤 實
Saitō Makoto
(1858–1936)
26 May 19328 July 1934773Military (Navy)30. Saitō[189]
20 Keisuke Okada
岡田 啓介
Okada Keisuke
(1868–1952)
8 July 19349 March 1936610Military (Navy)31. Okada1936[190]
Thought to be killed by renegade soldiers during the February 26 Incident. Interior Minister Gotō Fumio served as Deputy Prime Minister until Okada was found alive on 28 February 1936.
21 Kōki Hirota
廣田 弘毅
Hirota Kōki
(1878–1948)
9 March 19362 February 1937330None32. Hirota[191]
22 Senjūrō Hayashi
林 銑十郎
Hayashi Senjūrō
(1876–1943)
2 February 19374 June 1937122Military (Army)33. Hayashi1937[192]
23 Fumimaro Konoe
近衞 文麿
Konoe Fumimaro
(1891–1945)
4 June 19375 January 1939580None34. Konoe I[193]
24 Hiranuma Kiichirō
平沼 騏一郎
Hiranuma Kiichirō
(1867–1952)
5 January 193930 August 1939237None35. Hiranuma[194]
25 Nobuyuki Abe
阿部 信行
Abe Nobuyuki
(1875–1953)
30 August 193916 January 1940139Military (Army)36. Abe N.[195]
26 Mitsumasa Yonai
米内 光政
Yonai Mitsumasa
(1880–1948)
16 January 194022 July 1940188Military (Navy)37. Yonai[196]
(23) Fumimaro Konoe
近衞 文麿
Konoe Fumimaro
(1891–1945)
22 July 194018 July 1941453Taisei Yokusankai38. Konoe II[193]
18 July 194118 October 194139. Konoe III
27 Hideki Tōjō
東條 英機
Tōjō Hideki
(1884–1948)
18 October 194122 July 19441008Taisei Yokusankai40. Tōjō1942[197]
28 Kuniaki Koiso
小磯 國昭
Koiso Kuniaki
(1880–1950)
22 July 19447 April 1945259Military (Army)41. Koiso[198]
29 Kantarō Suzuki
鈴木 貫太郎
Suzuki Kantarō
(1868–1948)
7 April 194517 August 1945132Taisei Yokusankai42. Suzuki K.[199]
30 Higashikuni Naruhiko
東久邇宮 稔彦 王
Higashikuni no miya Naruhiko ō
(1887–1990)
17 August 19459 October 194553Imperial Family43. Higashikuni[200]
The only member of the Imperial Family to serve as Prime Minister.
31 Kijūrō Shidehara
幣原 喜重郎
Shidehara Kijūrō
(1872–1951)
9 October 194522 May 1946225None44. Shidehara[201]
32 Shigeru Yoshida
吉田 茂
Yoshida Shigeru
(1878–1967)
22 May 194624 May 1947367Japan Liberal45. Yoshida I1946[202]

Shōwa period under 1947 Constitution (1947–1989) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Shōwa under 1947 Constitution

Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Took OfficeLeft OfficeDaysGen.Coun.
33 Tetsu Katayama
片山 哲
Katayama Tetsu
(1887–1978)
Rep for Kanagawa 3rd
24 May 194710 March 1948291JSP
Nihon Shakaitō
46. Katayama
JSPDPPCP
19471947[203]
Under Allied Occupation. The first Prime Minister and the first socialist to serve as Prime Minister of Japan. Member of Diet from 1930 to 1963. Formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party and the National Cooperative Party.
34 Hitoshi Ashida
芦田 均
Ashida Hitoshi
(1887–1959)
Rep for Kyōto 2nd
10 March 194815 October 1948219DP
Minshutō
47. Ashida
DPJSPPCP
[204]
Under Allied Occupation. Ashida's cabinet resigned after seven months in office, due to alleged ministerial corruption in the Showa Electric scandal.
(32) Shigeru Yoshida
吉田 茂
Yoshida Shigeru
(1878–1967)
Rep for Kōchi at-large
15 October 194816 February 19492247DLP
Minshu Jiyūtō

(until 1950);
Liberal
Jiyūtō
48. Yoshida II
DLP
[202]
16 February 194930 October 195249. Yoshida III
(Reshuffle 1 · 2 · 3)
DLP/LiberalDP
19491950
30 October 195221 May 195350. Yoshida IV
Liberal
1952
21 May 195310 December 195451. Yoshida V
Liberal
19531953
Under Allied Occupation until the Treaty of San Francisco came into force on 28 April 1952. Developed the Yoshida Doctrine, prioritising economic development and reliance on United States military protection.
35 Ichirō Hatoyama
鳩山 一郎
Hatoyama Ichirō
(1883–1959)
Rep for Tokyo 1st
10 December 195419 March 1955744JDP
Nihon Minshutō
52. Hatoyama I. I
JDP
[205]
19 March 195522 November 195553. Hatoyama I. II
JDP
1955
22 November 195523 December 1956LDP
Jimintō
54. Hatoyama I. III
LDP
Rebuilt diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union. Favored parole for some of the Class A war criminals who had been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Tokyo Trial.
36 Tanzan Ishibashi
石橋 湛山
Ishibashi Tanzan
(1884–1973)
Rep for Shizuoka 2nd
23 December 195625 February 195764LDP
Jimintō
55. Ishibashi
LDP
1956[206]
Incapacitated due to minor stroke on 31 January 1957. Foreign Minister Kishi Nobusuke served as Deputy Prime Minister until 25 February 1957.
37 Nobusuke Kishi
岸 信介
Kishi Nobusuke
(1896–1987)
Rep for Yamaguchi 1st
25 February 195712 June 19581240LDP
Jimintō
56. Kishi I
(Reshuffle)
LDP
[207]
12 June 195819 July 196057. Kishi II
(Reshuffle)
LDP
19581959
38 Hayato Ikeda
池田 勇人
Ikeda Hayato
(1899–1965)
Rep for Hiroshima 2nd
19 July 19608 December 19601574LDP
Jimintō
58. Ikeda I
LDP
[208]
8 December 19609 December 196359. Ikeda II
(Reshuffle 1 · 2 · 3)
LDP
19601962
9 December 19639 November 196460. Ikeda III
(Reshuffle)
LDP
1963
39 Eisaku Satō
佐藤 榮作
Satō Eisaku
(1901–1975)
Rep for Yamaguchi 2nd
9 November 196417 February 19672797LDP
Jimintō
61. Satō I
(Reshuffle 1 · 2 · 3)
LDP
1965[209]
17 February 196714 January 197062. Satō II
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDP
19671968
14 January 19707 July 197263. Satō III
(Reshuffle)
19691971
40 Kakuei Tanaka
田中 角榮
Tanaka Kakuei
(1918–1993)
Rep for Niigata 3rd
7 July 197222 December 1972885LDP
Jimintō
64. Tanaka K. I
LDP
[210]
22 December 19729 December 197465. Tanaka K. II
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDP
1972
resigned in the midst of scandal. Later, "shadow shogun".
41 Takeo Miki
三木 武夫
Miki Takeo
(1907–1988)
Rep for Tokushima at-large
9 December 197424 December 1976746LDP
Jimintō
66. Miki
(Reshuffle)
LDP
1974[211]
42 Takeo Fukuda
福田 赳夫
Fukuda Takeo
(1905–1995)
Rep for Gunma 3rd
24 December 19767 December 1978713LDP
Jimintō
67. Fukuda T.
(Reshuffle)
LDP
19761977[212]
43 Masayoshi Ōhira
大平 正芳
Ōhira Masayoshi
(1910–1980)
Rep for Kagawa 2nd
7 December 19789 November 1979553LDP
Jimintō
68. Ōhira I
LDP
[213]
9 November 197912 June 198069. Ōhira II
LDP
1979
Died in office of natural causes.
During this interval, Chief Cabinet Secretary Masayoshi Ito (伊東 正義 Itō Masayoshi) was the Acting Prime Minister.
44 Zenkō Suzuki
鈴木 善幸
Suzuki Zenkō
(1911–2004)
Rep for Iwate 1st
17 July 198027 November 1982863LDP
Jimintō
70. Suzuki Z.
(Reshuffle)
LDP
19801980[214]
45 Yasuhiro Nakasone
中曽根 康弘
Nakasone Yasuhiro
(1918–2019)
Rep for Gunma 3rd
27 November 198227 December 19831805LDP
Jimintō
71. Nakasone I
LDP
[215]
27 December 198322 July 198672. Nakasone II
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDPNLC
19831983
22 July 19866 November 198773. Nakasone III
LDP
19861986
46 Noboru Takeshita
竹下 登
Takeshita Noboru
(1924–2000)
Rep for Shimane at-large
6 November 19873 June 1989575LDP
Jimintō
74. Takeshita
(Reshuffle)
LDP
[216]
The Recruit scandal forced his resignation in 1989. Later "Shadow Shogun."

Heisei period (1989–2019) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Akihito

Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Took OfficeLeft OfficeDaysGen.Coun.
47 Sōsuke Uno
宇野 宗佑
Uno Sōsuke
(1922–1998)
Rep for Shiga at-large
3 June 198910 August 198968LDP
Jimintō
75. Uno
LDP
1989[217]
Soon after he was elected Prime Minister, allegations arose that he had an extramarital relationship with a geisha, which damaged his reputation and his party's bad performance in the 1989 House of Councillors election, for which he resigned. Served as Minister of Defense (1974), Chief of the Science and Technology Agency (1976–1977), Chief of the Civil Administration Agency (1979–1980), Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (1983), and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1987–1989). Member of the Diet from 1960 to 1996.
48 Toshiki Kaifu
海部 俊樹
Kaifu Toshiki
(1931–)
Rep for Aichi 3rd
10 August 198928 February 1990817LDP
Jimintō
76. Kaifu I
LDP
[218]
28 February 19905 November 199177. Kaifu II
(Reshuffle)
LDP
1990
Defeated in 2009, he was the longest-serving member of the lower house of the Diet, and he was also the first former prime minister to be defeated at a re-election since 1963. Served as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (1974–1976), Minister of Education (1976–1977, 1985–1986). Member of the Diet from 1960 to 2009.
49 Kiichi Miyazawa
宮澤 喜一
Miyazawa Kiichi
(1919–2007)
Rep for Hiroshima 3rd
5 November 19919 August 1993643LDP
Jimintō
78. Miyazawa
(Reshuffle)
LDP
1992[219]
Originally a bureaucrat in the Treasury Ministry, he accompanied Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida at the Treaty of San Francisco. A firm critic of the revision of the constitution, he advocated peace throughout his political career. After his party's stunning defeat in the 1993 general election, he was forced to resign the Prime Ministership, but became Minister of Finance in the cabinet of Keizo Obuchi and Yoshiro Mori from 1998 to 2001. He died in 2007. Served as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (1962–1964, 1966–1968, 1970–1971, 1977–1978), Chief Cabinet Secretary (1980–1982), Minister of Finance (1986–1988), Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1993) and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (1993). Member of the House of Councillors (1952–1965). Member of the House of Representatives (1967–2003).
50 Morihiro Hosokawa
細川 護熙
Hosokawa Morihiro
(1938–)
Rep for Kumamoto 1st
9 August 199328 April 1994262JNP
Nihon Shintō
79. Hosokawa
JNPJSPJRPKomeitōNPSDSPSDF
1993[220]
He is a member of a noble family that ruled Kumamoto since Medieval times, and during Imperial Japan, his family was part of the aristocracy, his grandfather Konoe Fumimaro having served as Prime Minister (1937–1939, 1940–1941). Originally member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he left the party in 1992 to form the Japan New Party, which garnered 35 members in the 1993 general election. He served as Prime Minister in 8-party coalition government and spearheaded a reform to change the electoral system. He resigned after allegations arose that he had misused personal funds in the 1980s. Served as Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture (1983–1991). Member of the House of Councilors from 1971 to 1983 and 1992 to 1993. Member of the House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998.
51 Tsutomu Hata
羽田 孜
Hata Tsutomu
(1935–2017)
Rep for Nagano 2nd
28 April 199430 June 199463JRP
Shinseitō
80. Hata
JRPJNPJSPSDPSDFKomeitōNPS
[221]
Originally member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he left the party in 1993 with Ichirō Ozawa to establish the Japan Renewal Party, which garnered 44 seats in the 1993 general election. He served as Minister for Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Morihiro Hosokawa, until the latter resigned after his implication in a banking scandal. Hata then assumed the Prime Ministership, but since the Socialist Party had left the coalition, his minority government was forced to resign in two months as a non-confidence motion against his cabinet was submitted to the House of Representatives. Currently a member of the Democratic Party of Japan, he is now one of the elder politicians of the party. Served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (1985–1986, 1988–1989), Minister of Finance (1991–1992), and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Member of the Diet from 1969 to 2012.
52 Tomiichi Murayama
村山 富市
Murayama Tomiichi
(1924–)
Rep for Ōita 1st
30 June 199411 January 1996560JSP
Nihon Shakaitō
81. Murayama
(Reshuffle)
JSPLDPNPS
1995[222]
Presided over a coalition that consisted of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Socialist Party, and the New Party Sakigake. During his tenure, the Great Hanshin earthquake erupted and a Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway occurred that left 13 dead. He resigned after his party suffered defeat in the 1996 general election. Served as General Secretary of the Socialist Party. Member of the Diet from 1972 to 2000.
53 Ryūtarō Hashimoto
橋本 龍太郎
Hashimoto Ryūtarō
(1937–2006)
Rep for Okayama 4th
11 January 19967 November 1996931LDP
Jimintō
82. Hashimoto I
LDPJSPNPS
[223]
7 November 199630 July 199883. Hashimoto II
(Reshuffle)
LDPNPS
19961998
He spearheaded widespread reforms during his tenure, including reforms to restructure the health, finance, and the bureaucratic system. He resigned after his party suffered massive defeat in the 1998 House of Councilors Election. He died in 2006. Served as Minister of Health (1978–1979), Minister of Transportation (1986–1987), Minister of Finance (1989–1991), Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (1994–1996). Member of the Diet from 1963 to 2005.
54 Keizō Obuchi
小渕 恵三
Obuchi Keizō
(1937–2000)
Rep for Gunma 5th
30 July 19985 April 2000615LDP
Jimintō
84. Obuchi
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDP–(Lib.Komeitō)
[224]
His government was credited with stimulating the economy after a depression caused by the bubble crash. After suffering from a stroke, he fell into a coma on 3 April, and died on 14 May 2000. Chief Cabinet Secretary Aoki Mikio served as Deputy Prime Minister until 5 April. Served as Chief of the Okinawa Development Agency (1979–1980), Minister of the Prime Minister's Office (1979–1980), Chief Cabinet Secretary (1987–1989), and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1997–1998). Member of the Diet from 1963 to 2000.
55 Yoshirō Mori
森 喜朗
Mori Yoshirō
(1937–)
Rep for Ishikawa 2nd
5 April 20004 July 2000386LDP
Jimintō
85. Mori I
LDPKomeitōNCP
[225]
4 July 200026 April 200186. Mori II
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDPKomeitōNCP
2000
His appointment was decided after a secret meeting by major power brokers within the Liberal Democratic Party after the unexpected death of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. His gaffes and his government's low legitimacy was detrimental to his government's approval ratings, for which he resigned in 2001. Served as Minister of Education (1983–1984), Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (1992–1993), Minister of Construction (1995–1996). Member of the Diet from 1969 to 2012.
56 Junichirō Koizumi
小泉 純一郎
Koizumi Jun'ichirō
(1942–)
Rep for Kanagawa 11th
26 April 200119 November 20031979LDP
Jimintō
87. Koizumi I
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDPKomeitōNCP
2001[226]
19 November 200321 September 200588. Koizumi II
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
20032004
21 September 200526 September 200689. Koizumi III
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
2005
Resigned due to term limits of the Presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party. Served as Vice Minister of Finance (1979), Minister of Health and Welfare (1988–1989), Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1992), Minister of Health and Welfare (1996–1998), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002). Member of Diet from 1972 to 2009.
57 Shinzō Abe
安倍 晋三
Abe Shinzō
(1954–2022)
Rep for Yamaguchi 4th
26 September 200626 September 2007365LDP
Jimintō
90. Abe S. I
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
2007[227]
Resigned after suffering from low approval ratings and poor health. Served as Chief Cabinet Secretary (2005–2006). Member of Diet since 1993.
58 Yasuo Fukuda
福田 康夫
Fukuda Yasuo
(1936–)
Rep for Gunma 4th
26 September 200724 September 2008364LDP
Jimintō
91. Fukuda Y.
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
[228]
Resigned after asserting the need to improve the flow of the political process. Served as Minister for Okinawa Development (2000), Chief Cabinet Secretary (2000–2004), and Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs (2001–2004). Member of Diet from 1990 to 2012.
59 Tarō Asō
麻生 太郎
Asō Tarō
(1940–)
Rep for Fukuoka 8th
24 September 200816 September 2009357LDP
Jimintō
92. Asō
LDPKomeitō
[229]
Resigned after the 2009 general election to accept the responsibility for the worst defeat of the history of the Liberal Democratic Party. Served as Director of Economic Planning Agency (1996–1997), Minister in charge of Economic and Financial Policies (2001), Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications (2003–2005), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2005–2007), and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (since 2012). Member of Diet since 1979.
60 Yukio Hatoyama
鳩山 由紀夫
Hatoyama Yukio
(1947–)
Rep for Hokkaido 9th
16 September 20098 June 2010265DPJ
Minshutō
93. Hatoyama Y.
DPJSDPPNP
2009[230]
Won a majority in the 2009 general election defeating Tarō Asō (LDP). Resigned after breaking a campaign promise to close Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture. Member of Diet from 1986 to 2012.
61 Naoto Kan
菅 直人
Kan Naoto
(1946–)
Rep for Tokyo 18th
8 June 20102 September 2011451DPJ
Minshutō
94. Kan
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
DPJPNP
2010[231]
Resigned due to poor approval ratings after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Served as Minister of Health and Welfare (1996), Deputy Prime Minister of Japan (2009–2010), Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy (2009–2010), Minister of State in charge of National Strategy (2009–2010), Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy (2009–2010), and Minister of Finance (2010). Member of Diet since 1980.
62 Yoshihiko Noda
野田 佳彦
Noda Yoshihiko
(1957–)
Rep for Chiba 4th
2 September 201126 December 2012481DPJ
Minshutō
95. Noda
(Reshuffle 1 · 2 · 3)
DPJPNP
[232]
Resigned after the 2012 general election to accept the responsibility for the defeat of the Democratic Party. Served as Senior Vice Minister of Finance (2009–2010) and Minister of Finance (2010–2011). Member of Diet since 1993.
(57) Shinzō Abe
安倍 晋三
Abe Shinzō
(1954–2022)
Rep for Yamaguchi 4th
26 December 201224 December 20142821LDP
Jimintō
96. Abe S. II
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
20122013[227]
24 December 20141 November 201797. Abe S. III
(Reshuffle 1 · 2 · 3)
LDPKomeitō
20142016
1 November 201716 September 202098. Abe S. IV
(Reshuffle 1 · 2)
LDPKomeitō
20172019
The first Prime Minister to serve non-consecutive terms since the end of the US occupation. Won a majority in the 2012 general election defeating Yoshihiko Noda (DPJ). Won the 2014 and 2017 general elections retaining a majority in the House of Representatives. Served as the 90th term Prime Minister (2006–2007), Chief Cabinet Secretary (2005–2006). Member of Diet from 1993 until his death in 2022. Resigned as Prime Minister in 2020

Reiwa period (2019–present) edit

Prime Ministers of Emperor Naruhito

Prime MinisterTerm of officePolitical PartyGovernmentElectedRef
PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Took OfficeLeft OfficeDaysGen.Coun.
63 Yoshihide Suga
菅 義偉
Suga Yoshihide
(1948–)
Rep for Kanagawa 2nd
16 September 20204 October 2021383LDP
Jimintō
99. Suga
LDPKomeitō
He became Prime Minister of Japan after his selection as Leader of the LDP. He served before as the Chief Cabinet Secretary (2012–2020). Member of Diet since 1996. Resigned as Prime Minister in 2021
64 Fumio Kishida
岸田 文雄
Kishida Fumio
(1957–)
Rep for Hiroshima 1st
4 October 202110 November 2021980LDP
Jimintō
100. Kishida I
LDPKomeitō
10 November 2021Incumbent101. Kishida II
(Reshuffle)
LDPKomeitō
20212022
Kishida is the current Prime Minister of Japan. Won a majority in the 2021 general election defeating Yukio Edano (CDP). He served before as the Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012–2017). Member of Diet since 1996.

Politicians edit

Religious leaders edit

Scientists edit

Mathematicians edit

Economists edit

Other notables edit

Other Japanese edit

See also edit

References edit