Gōshirakawa (後白河天皇) was the 77th emperor of Japan, reigning from 1155 to 1158. He was born in 1127 and was the son of Emperor Toba. His reign was marked by political struggles, particularly with the powerful Fujiwara clan and the rise of the Minamoto clan, which eventually led to the Genpei War. After his abdication, Gōshirakawa continued to exert influence as a retired emperor, a practice known as "insei." He played a significant role in the political landscape of the time, navigating the complexities of court politics and the emerging samurai class. Gōshirakawa passed away in 1192.