Emperor Toba was a Japanese emperor who reigned from 1107 to 1123 during the Heian period. He was the 77th emperor of Japan and is known for his relatively short reign, which was marked by the influence of powerful regents, particularly the Fujiwara clan. Toba became emperor at a young age and was often overshadowed by the political maneuvering of his court. After his abdication, Toba continued to wield significant power as a retired emperor, a common practice in the Heian period. His reign saw the continuation of cultural developments, including the flourishing of Japanese literature and art, which were hallmarks of the era.