During the initial years of Toba's reign, the actual power was held by his grandfather, the "retired" Emperor Shirakawa, in a process known as cloistered rule.

Kugyō (公卿) is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras.

Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted.

These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career.

[14] [15] Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD  * Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed.