Go-Toba was the 81st emperor of Japan, reigning from 1183 to 1198. He was born in 1180 and was a member of the Fujiwara clan. His reign was marked by the rise of the Kamakura shogunate, which shifted power from the imperial court to military leaders. After his abdication, Go-Toba became a monk and was known for his poetry and patronage of the arts. He is also remembered for his involvement in the Jōkyū War, a conflict against the shogunate. Go-Toba's legacy includes contributions to Japanese culture, particularly in the field of literature.