Emperor Daigo

Emperor Daigo ruled directly without a Fujiwara regent for much of his reign. He maintained imperial authority and is remembered as a capable ruler. His reign is often idealized as a period of strong imperial rule in the Heian period.

Emperor Daigo sponsored the compilation of the 'Kokin Wakashu', the first imperial anthology of Japanese poetry. He commissioned Ki no Tsurayuki and others to collect poems. This anthology set the standard for waka poetry and influenced Japanese literature for centuries.

Emperor Daigo ordered the compilation of the Engishiki, a detailed legal code that expanded on the Taiho and Yoro codes. It contained regulations for government administration, ceremonies, and rituals. The Engishiki became a foundational text for Japanese law and Shinto practice.