Emperor Go-Shirakawa was the 77th emperor of Japan, reigning from 1155 to 1158. He was born on December 24, 1127, and was a member of the Fujiwara clan. His reign was marked by political struggles, particularly with the Taira and Minamoto clans, which eventually led to the Genpei War. After his abdication, Go-Shirakawa continued to wield significant influence as a retired emperor, known as a daijō-tennō. He played a crucial role in the politics of the time, supporting the Taira clan initially before shifting his allegiance to the Minamoto clan, which ultimately shaped the future of the Japanese imperial system.