The refers to two horse races held yearly in Japan, once in the spring and once in the autumn. Tennà  refers to the emperor of Japan. The races are both International Grade I races. Prior to the 2007 races, both Tennà  Shà  races were Japanese domestic Grade 1 races.
Prior to 1980, a horse winning a Tennà  Shà  race was not allowed to participate in future editions of the race but this ban was lifted in 1981. Only two horses won the prize three times:
Apart from Kitasan Black and T. M. Opera O, four horses to date have won consecutive runnings, either by winning both the Spring and Autumn races in the same year or by winning the Autumn race, and following year's Spring race.
Five horses have won two non-consecutive runnings.