Although the imperial line had succeeded from Emperor Tenmu, there had been a string of power struggles and Shirakabe no okimi (Prince Shirakabe), a descendent of Emperor Tenchi became Emperor Konin following the order of succession.
天武天皇以来の皇統は、以前より盛んだった天武系皇族間での相次ぐ政争によって継承順で繰り上がった天智天皇系の白壁王（光仁天皇）が継承した。