Map: Natural Earth (PD)
East Asia, including China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Explore figures in thought, politics, art and cultural exchange.
211 figures
Oda Nobunaga
1534–1582
Early modern · Military
Daimyo · Military commander
Confucius
551 BC–479 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Teacher
Qin Shi Huang
259 BC–210 BC
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Politician
Murasaki Shikibu
c. 978–c. 1014
Medieval · Literature
Novelist · Poet · Lady-in-waiting
Genghis Khan
c. 1162–1227
Medieval · Military
Monarch · Military leader
Zheng He
1371–1433
Medieval · Exploration
Explorer · Naval officer
Katsushika Hokusai
1760–1849
Modern · Art
Painter · Printmaker
Shibusawa Eiichi
1840–1931
Modern · Business
Entrepreneur · Banker
Mao Zedong
1893–1976
Modern · Politics
Politician · Military leader · Writer
Kim Il-sung
1912–1994
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Emperor Gaozu of Han
256 BC–195 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch
Gojong of the Korean Empire
1852–1919
Modern · Politics
Monarch
Emperor Wu of Han
156 BC–87 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch
Yongle Emperor
1360–1424
Medieval · Politics
Monarch
Yijing
635–713
Medieval · Religion
Buddhist monk · translator · Writer
Zhou Enlai
1898–1976
Modern · Politics
Politician
Chiang Kai-shek
1887–1975
Modern · Military
Politician · Military leader
Batu Khan
1205–1255
Medieval · Military
Monarch · Military leader
Zhang Qian
200 BC–114 BC
Ancient · Exploration
Explorer · Politician
Hulegu Khan
1217–1265
Medieval · Military
Monarch · Military leader
Xuanzang
602–664
Medieval · Religion
Buddhist monk · translator · Writer
Huang Chao
801–884
Medieval · Military
Military leader · revolutionary · Poet
Koxinga
1624–1662
Early modern · Military
Military commander · Military leader · Politician
Qianlong Emperor
1711–1799
Early modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Poet
Himiko
c. 170–c. 248
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Religious leader
Deng Xiaoping
1904–1997
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · revolutionary
Zhang Jue
c. 140–184
Ancient · Religion
Religious leader · revolutionary · Politician
Su Qin
c. 380 BC–284 BC
Ancient · Politics
Politician · Philosopher
Jiang Qing
1914–1991
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Actor
Wang Zhi
c. 1500–1560
Early modern · Exploration
Explorer · Military leader
Empress Dowager Cixi
1835–1908
Modern · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Kim Dae-jung
1924–2009
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Journalist
Ban Chao
32–102
Ancient · Exploration
Explorer · Military leader · Politician
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
1358–1408
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Empress Myeongseong
1851–1895
Modern · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Kim Jong-il
1941–2011
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader · film director
Bodhidharma
c. 483–c. 540
Medieval · Religion
Buddhist monk · Religious leader · Philosopher
Cai Lun
c. 50–121
Ancient · Invention
Inventor · Politician
Bai Juyi
772–846
Medieval · Literature
Poet · Writer · Politician
Park Chung-hee
1917–1979
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Cao Cao
155–220
Ancient · Military
Military leader · Politician · Poet
Cao Pi
187–226
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Politician · Poet
Zhang Xueliang
1901–2001
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Du Fu
712–770
Medieval · Literature
Poet · Writer
Lin Biao
1907–1971
Modern · Military
Military leader · Politician
Chun Doo-hwan
1931–2021
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Dong Qichang
1555–1636
Early modern · Art
Painter · Writer · Poet · Politician
Lu Xun
1881–1936
Modern · Literature
Writer · Novelist · translator · Poet
Dao'an
312–385
Ancient · Religion
translator · Buddhist monk · Religious leader
Emperor Gaozu of Tang
566–635
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Politician
Emperor Huizong of Song
1082–1135
Medieval · Art
Emperor · Painter · Poet
Hu Yaobang
1915–1989
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Dong Zhongshu
179 BC–104 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Politician
Emperor Jingzong of Western Xia
1003–1048
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Hua Guofeng
1921–2008
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Duke Huan of Qi
c. 720 BC–643 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Emperor Qinzong of Song
1100–1161
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Duke Wen of Jin
697 BC–628 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Emperor Shenzong of Song
1048–1085
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Puyi
1906–1967
Modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Writer
Emperor Guangwu of Han
5 BC–57
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Emperor Taizu of Later Liang
852–912
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military leader
Sun Yat-sen
1866–1925
Modern · Politics
Politician · revolutionary · Physician · Philosopher
Jiang Zemin
1926–2022
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Engineer
Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei
408–452
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Emperor Taizu of Liao
872–926
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military leader
Emperor Wu of Jin
236–290
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Emperor Taizu of Song
927–976
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military commander
Syngman Rhee
1875–1965
Modern · Politics
Politician · Writer · Journalist
Kakuei Tanaka
1918–1993
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Emperor Wu of Liu Song
363–422
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military leader
Emperor Wen of Sui
541–604
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Politician
Kim Young-sam
1927–2015
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei
467–499
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
685–762
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Poet
Emperor Yuan of Jin
276–323
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Emperor Yang of Sui
569–618
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Poet
Gu Yanwu
1613–1682
Early modern · Philosophy
Philosopher · historian · Writer · Poet · Astronomer
Lee Teng-hui
1923–2020
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Huang Zongxi
1610–1695
Early modern · Philosophy
Philosopher · historian · Writer
Yuan Shikai
1859–1916
Modern · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Go of Balhae
645–719
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Fotudeng
232–348
Ancient · Religion
Buddhist monk · Religious leader
Roh Moo-hyun
1946–2009
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Lawyer
Guo Shoujing
1231–1316
Medieval · Science
Astronomer · Engineer · Mathematician
Roh Tae-woo
1932–2021
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Gu Kaizhi
345–406
Ancient · Art
Painter · Poet · Writer
Han Yu
768–824
Medieval · Literature
Writer · Poet · Politician · Philosopher
Guan Yu
160–220
Ancient · Military
Military commander · Military leader
An Jung-geun
1879–1910
Modern · Social reform
Political activist
Han Fei
280 BC–233 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Politician
Hongwu Emperor
1328–1398
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Politician · Military leader
Zhao Ziyang
1919–2005
Contemporary · Politics
Politician
Huiyuan
334–416
Ancient · Religion
Buddhist monk · Religious leader · Philosopher · translator
Jianwen Emperor
1377–1402
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Politician
Li Zhi
1527–1602
Early modern · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Teacher
Kou Qianzhi
365–448
Ancient · Religion
Religious leader · Philosopher
Kumārajīva
c. 344–c. 413
Ancient · Religion
translator · Writer · Buddhist monk · Philosopher
Chang Ping-lin
1868–1936
Modern · Politics
Writer · Politician · revolutionary · Philosopher
Laozi
c. 580 BC–c. 501 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Religious leader
Chen Duxiu
1879–1942
Modern · Politics
Politician · Writer · Journalist · Philosopher · revolutionary
Li Si
c. 280 BC–208 BC
Ancient · Politics
Politician · Philosopher · Writer
Kong Yingda
574–655
Medieval · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Choe Je-u
1824–1864
Modern · Religion
Religious leader · Philosopher
Liu Bei
161–223
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Kublai Khan
1215–1294
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military leader
Liu Yuan
271–310
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Matteo Ricci
1552–1610
Early modern · Religion
missionary · Mathematician · translator
Li Bai
701–762
Medieval · Literature
Poet · Writer
Liu Zongyuan
773–819
Medieval · Literature
Writer · Poet · Politician
Mencius
c. 372 BC–c. 289 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Duan Qirui
1865–1936
Modern · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Modu Chanyu
c. 234 BC–c. 174 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Mozi
c. 470 BC–c. 391 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Engineer · Writer
Nurhaci
1559–1626
Early modern · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Ouyang Xiu
1007–1072
Medieval · Literature
Writer · Poet · historian · Politician
Qian Daxin
1728–1804
Early modern · Literature
historian · Philosopher · Writer
Prince Shōtoku
574–622
Medieval · Politics
Politician · Religious leader
Qin Hui
1090–1155
Medieval · Politics
Politician
Shunzhi Emperor
1638–1661
Early modern · Politics
Monarch
Ruan Ji
210–263
Ancient · Literature
Poet · Writer · Philosopher · Composer
Sejong the Great
1397–1450
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Shi Siming
703–761
Medieval · Military
Military leader · Poet
Shang Yang
c. 390 BC–338 BC
Ancient · Politics
Politician · Philosopher
Tokugawa Ieyasu
1543–1616
Early modern · Politics
Daimyo · Military commander · Politician
Sima Qian
c. 145 BC–c. 86 BC
Ancient · Literature
historian · Writer
Sima Guang
1019–1086
Medieval · Literature
historian · Writer · Politician
Guangxu Emperor
1871–1908
Modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
c. 1537–1598
Early modern · Politics
Daimyo · Military commander · Politician
Sun Quan
182–252
Ancient · Military
Monarch · Military leader
Songtsen Gampo
c. 604–c. 650
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Politician
Tao Yuanming
365–427
Ancient · Literature
Poet · Writer
Su Shi
1037–1101
Medieval · Literature
Writer · Poet · Politician · Painter
Taejo of Joseon
1335–1408
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Wang Yangming
1472–1529
Early modern · Philosophy
Philosopher · Politician · Writer
Wu Sangui
1612–1678
Early modern · Military
Military leader · Monarch
Xu Guangqi
1562–1633
Early modern · Science
Astronomer · Mathematician · translator · Politician
Zhao Mengfu
1254–1322
Medieval · Art
Painter · Writer · Politician
Yi Sun-sin
1545–1598
Early modern · Military
Naval officer · Military leader
Yongzheng Emperor
1678–1735
Early modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Wang Anshi
1021–1086
Medieval · Politics
Politician · Writer · Poet
Zhang Juzheng
1525–1582
Early modern · Politics
Politician · Writer
Wang Chongyang
1113–1170
Medieval · Religion
Religious leader · Philosopher
Wang Jian
847–918
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Wang Wei
c. 699–c. 759
Medieval · Literature
Poet · Painter · Politician
Hideki Tojo
1884–1948
Contemporary · Politics
Politician · Military leader
Wang Mang
45 BC–23
Ancient · Politics
Emperor · Politician
Wang Xianzhi
801–878
Medieval · Military
revolutionary · Military leader
Altan Khan
1507–1582
Early modern · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Hirohito
1901–1989
Contemporary · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Wang Xizhi
c. 303–361
Ancient · Art
Writer
Xiang Yu
232 BC–202 BC
Ancient · Military
Military leader · Politician
Hong Xiuquan
1814–1864
Modern · Religion
Religious leader · revolutionary
Xie Lingyun
385–433
Ancient · Literature
Poet · Writer
Wu Daozi
c. 680–c. 740
Medieval · Art
Painter
Xunzi
c. 313 BC–c. 231 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Wu Zetian
624–705
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Poet
Zhang Fei
c. 167–221
Ancient · Military
Military commander · Military leader · Politician
Xiao Tong
501–531
Medieval · Literature
Writer · Poet
Hu Shih
1891–1962
Modern · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Politician · Teacher
Zheng Xuan
127–200
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Yan Liben
600–673
Medieval · Art
Painter · Architect · Poet
Chongzhen Emperor
1611–1644
Early modern · Politics
Monarch · Emperor
Huang Xing
1874–1916
Modern · Politics
revolutionary · Politician
Zhuang Zhou
c. 369 BC–c. 288 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · Poet
Yan Zhenqing
709–785
Medieval · Art
Writer · Poet · Politician
Zhuge Liang
181–234
Ancient · Politics
Politician · Military commander · Inventor
Yang Guifei
719–756
Medieval · Politics
Poet · Lady-in-waiting
Daikokuya Kodayu
1751–1828
Early modern · Exploration
Explorer · translator
Yang Yan
727–781
Medieval · Politics
Politician · Poet · Painter
Ito Hirobumi
1841–1909
Modern · Politics
Politician
Chen Sheng
251 BC–208 BC
Ancient · Politics
revolutionary · Military leader
Yue Fei
1103–1142
Medieval · Military
Military commander · Poet
Duke Xiao of Qin
381 BC–338 BC
Ancient · Politics
Monarch
Zhou Dunyi
1017–1073
Medieval · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Gu Xiancheng
1550–1612
Early modern · Politics
Politician · Philosopher · Teacher
Gongsun Long
c. 325 BC–c. 250 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher
Zhu Xi
1130–1200
Medieval · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer · historian
Hong Taiji
1592–1643
Early modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Military leader
Jeon Bong-jun
1855–1895
Modern · Social reform
revolutionary · Political activist
Liu Xiang
77 BC–6 BC
Ancient · Literature
Writer · historian · Poet
Chu Suiliang
596–658
Medieval · Art
Writer · Poet · Politician
Meng Tian
c. 251 BC–210 BC
Ancient · Military
Military commander
Emperor Taizong of Tang
598–649
Medieval · Politics
Emperor · Monarch · Poet
Qu Yuan
c. 343 BC–c. 278 BC
Ancient · Literature
Poet · Writer · Politician
Kang Youwei
1858–1927
Modern · Social reform
Political activist · Politician · Writer · Philosopher · Journalist
Kim Ok-gyun
1851–1894
Modern · Politics
Politician · revolutionary · Writer
Li Sixun
651–716
Medieval · Art
Painter
Zhang Daoling
34–156
Ancient · Religion
Religious leader · Philosopher
Lu Jiuyuan
1139–1193
Medieval · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Zhang Heng
78–139
Ancient · Science
Astronomer · Mathematician · Inventor · Poet
Li Dazhao
1889–1927
Modern · Politics
Politician · Philosopher · Journalist · Teacher
Zhang Yi
c. 401 BC–c. 309 BC
Ancient · Politics
Politician
Li Hongzhang
1823–1901
Modern · Politics
Politician · Military leader · Writer
Zou Yan
c. 305 BC–c. 240 BC
Ancient · Philosophy
Philosopher · Writer
Ögedei Khan
1186–1241
Medieval · Politics
Monarch · Military leader
Liang Qichao
1873–1929
Modern · Politics
Writer · Politician · historian · Journalist · Philosopher
Ouyang Xun
557–641
Medieval · Art
Poet · Writer · Politician
Lin Zexu
1785–1850
Modern · Politics
Politician · Writer
Pu Shougeng
1245–1284
Medieval · Politics
Politician · Entrepreneur
Liu Shaoqi
1898–1969
Modern · Politics
Politician · revolutionary
Shitao
1642–1707
Early modern · Art
Painter · Buddhist monk · Poet
Liu Yongfu
1837–1917
Modern · Military
Military commander · Politician
Yelü Chucai
1190–1244
Medieval · Politics
Politician · Writer · Poet
Song Jiaoren
1882–1913
Modern · Politics
Politician · revolutionary
Thubten Gyatso
1876–1933
Modern · Religion
Religious leader · Politician · Writer
Tongzhi Emperor
1856–1875
Modern · Politics
Emperor · Monarch
Wang Jingwei
1883–1944
Modern · Politics
Politician · revolutionary · Writer
Zeng Guofan
1811–1872
Modern · Military
Politician · Writer · Military leader
Zhang Zuolin
1875–1928
Modern · Military
Politician · Military leader
Zuo Zongtang
1812–1885
Modern · Military
Politician · Military leader
