Emperor Kōmei was the 121st emperor of Japan, reigning from 1846 until his death in 1867. He was born on July 22, 1831, and was the son of Emperor Ninkō. His reign was marked by political turmoil and the growing influence of Western powers in Japan, leading to significant changes in the country's governance. During his time, Kōmei opposed the Tokugawa shogunate and supported the idea of restoring imperial rule. His reign set the stage for the Meiji Restoration, which began shortly after his death and transformed Japan into a modern state. Kōmei's legacy is often associated with the push for national sovereignty and modernization.