A Emperor and A Shogun

            The role of the Emperor and the role of the Shogun were extremely different throughout the Pre-modern Japan period. The position of the Emperor was established very early on in Japanese history and was a vital figure to the people of Japan. The position of the Shogun however was established towards the end of Japan’s pre-modern era. Although both figures were vital and essential to Japan and its people, their roles as leaders were very different. These differences are reflected on the architectural pieces they each built in the city of Kyoto. The Emperor and the imperial family are represented by the Kyoto Gosho and the Shogun is represented by the Nijo castle.

              The three main differences between the Emperor and Shogun are the following:
                      1) The source of their legitimacy
                      2) Their interaction with the people of Japan
                      3) How they maintained their leadership positions

Picture: Left- Emperor Go-Saga Right- Tokugawa Ieyasu