Emperor Komei 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 Ninko. Komei's reign was marked by significant political and social changes, including the growing influence of Western powers in Japan. During his time as emperor, Komei struggled with the challenges posed by the Tokugawa shogunate and the increasing pressure for modernization. He was a supporter of the Sonno Joi movement, which advocated for the restoration of imperial rule and the expulsion of foreigners. Komei's reign ended shortly before the Meiji Restoration, a pivotal moment in Japanese history.