After that, Emperor Tenmu's grandchild, Emperor Junnin succeeded to the throne upon the strong recommendation of FUJIWARA no Nakamaro, however he was involved in the FUJIWARA no Nakamaro dispute, Emperor Junnin was removed from his position, Empress Koken was enthroned again to become Empress Shotoku.
その後、藤原仲麻呂の強い推挙により天武の孫の淳仁天皇が立ったが、藤原仲麻呂の乱に連座して淳仁は廃帝となり、孝謙が再度即位して称徳天皇となった。