Translation guide
Refers to the emperor who reigned immediately before the current one. In Japanese, this is a specific historical and cultural term, not a generic description.
To refer to the previous emperor in a historical or formal context.
The standard term for the preceding emperor, used in historical and formal contexts.
先帝の時代には、多くの改革が行われた。
Many reforms were carried out during the reign of the preceding emperor.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'the previous emperor', slightly less formal than 先帝.
先代の天皇は、退位後も公務を続けられた。
The preceding emperor continued his public duties after abdication.
Literally 'previous emperor', but rarely used; 先帝 or 先代の天皇 are preferred.
前天皇の御代は平和だった。
The reign of the previous emperor was peaceful.
Do not translate 'preceding emperor' word-for-word as 先行する天皇 or similar. Use the established terms 先帝 or 先代の天皇.