Emperor Kōkaku was the 119th emperor of Japan, reigning from 1779 to 1817 during the Edo period. He was born on 18th September 1771 and was the son of Emperor Go-Momozono. His reign is noted for its cultural developments and the continuation of the Tokugawa shogunate. Kōkaku's era saw the rise of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and the flourishing of Japanese literature. After his abdication, he took the title of "retired emperor" and lived in the Kyoto Imperial Palace until his death on 4th January 1840. His reign is often remembered for its stability and cultural achievements.