CE. The shogun in this time was not the type of de facto military dictator of Japan as in later history but was appointed to pacify the northern borderlands. The full title "Sei-i Taishogun" means "Barbarian-subduing Great General". Emperor Kammu granted the second title of shogun to Sakanoue no Tamuramaro for subduing the Emishi in northern Honshu.

Kammu had 16 empresses and consorts,