Cloistered rule

The Insei system (院政), or cloistered rule, was a specific form of government in Japan, in which the Emperor abdicated, but kept exerting power and influence. Retired emperors are called Daijō Tennō or Joko. Choosing to enter a buddhist monastic community, a retired emperor would become a Daijō Hōō (太上法皇) or cloistered emperor.
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