Emperor Go-Daigo

Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇, 1288–1339) was the ninety-sixth emperor, famous for leading the Kenmu Restoration (1333–1336) that briefly overthrew the Kamakura shogunate and restored direct imperial rule. When Ashikaga Takauji's revolt ended the Kenmu government, Go-Daigo established the Southern Court at Yoshino in Yamato Province, creating the fifty-year era of the Northern and Southern Courts (Nanbokucho).

He died at Yoshino in 1339, reportedly gazing north toward Kyoto and vowing never to rest until his dynasty's restoration. He is enshrined at Yoshino Jingu (Nara) and other sites associated with his Southern Court. His loyal retainers—Kusunoki Masashige, Nawa Nagatoshi, Kitabatake Akiie—are also venerated at related shrines.