Emperor Go-Toba was the 81st emperor of Japan, reigning from 1183 to 1198. He was born in 1180 and was a member of the Yamato dynasty. His reign was marked by the rise of the Kamakura shogunate, which shifted power from the imperial court to military leaders. After his abdication, Go-Toba became involved in political conflicts, including the Jōkyū War against the Kamakura shogunate in 1221. He was ultimately defeated and exiled to Okinoshima, where he spent the rest of his life. Go-Toba is also known for his contributions to poetry and the Japanese imperial court culture.