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Empress of Japan

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"Japanese Empresses" redirects here. For the ocean liners, see RMS Empress of Japan.
Empress of Japan
皇后
Imperial
Imperial Standard of the Empress
Incumbent
Masako
since 1 May 2019
Details
StyleHer Majesty[1]
ResidenceTokyo Imperial Palace
(official residence)
WebsiteThe Imperial Household Agency

The empress of Japan[a] is the title given to the wife of the Emperor of Japan or a female ruler in her own right. The current empress consort is Empress Masako, who ascended the throne with her husband on 1 May 2019.

Empress regnant

[edit]
Main article: Josei Tennō
Empress Jitō (645–703) by Katsukawa Shunsho, 18th century

Titles

[edit]
  • Josei Tennō (女性天皇, lit. "female heavenly emperor") or Jotei (女帝, lit. "female emperor")[2] – Because there is no feminine equivalent to king and emperor in East Asian languages, different titles are used for female monarchs and female consorts. Josei Tennō refers only to an empress regnant of Japan, and Jotei refers to an empress regnant of any countries.[b]
  • Tennō (天皇, lit. "heavenly emperor") or Kōtei (皇帝, lit. "emperor") – Unlike European languages, in East Asia, the titles of female monarchs can also be abbreviated as "king" or "emperor", much like their male counterparts. However, to avoid confusion with male monarchs, they are usually referred to as "female king" or "female emperor".

List of empresses regnant

[edit]

There were eight female imperial reigns (six empresses regnant including two who reigned twice) in Japan's early history between 593 and 770, and two more in the early modern period (Edo period). Although there were eight reigning empresses, with only one exception their successors were selected from amongst the males of the paternal Imperial bloodline.[3] After many centuries, female reigns came to be officially prohibited only when the Imperial Household Law was issued in 1889 alongside the new Meiji Constitution.

The eight historical empresses regnant are:

  • Nukatabe, Empress Suiko (推古天皇 Suiko Tennō) was the 33rd empress of Japan from 593 until 628, according to the traditional order of succession, and the first historically attested woman to hold this position. She was the granddaughter of Tashiraga of Yamato, herself sister of the childless Emperor Buretsu, transferring some legitimacy in succession to the throne of Yamato to her husband Emperor Keitai. Tashiraga's mother had been Kasuga of Yamato, sister of the childless Emperor Seinei, whose own marriage with the future Emperor Ninken had a similar effect a generation earlier. According to legends, these ladies descended from the legendary Empress Jingū, who had been ruler (since Meiji-era rewrites of history, Regent) of Yamato for decades at some time in the past, probably in the mid-4th century (if she really existed), and who herself descended, according to legends, from Amaterasu omikami, the Sun Goddess of the Japanese pantheon.
  • Takara, Empress Kōgyoku (皇極天皇 Kōgyoku Tennō), also Empress Saimei (斉明天皇 Saimei Tennō) was the 35th and 37th empress of Japan, initially from February 18, 642, to July 12, 645, ascending upon the death of her uncle Emperor Jomei (who had also been her second husband). When she abdicated, her own younger brother succeeded her. However, upon the death of the said younger brother, she reascended the throne as Empress Saimei on February 14, 655, and ruled until her death on August 24, 661. She was succeeded by her and Emperor Jomei's son, Naka no Ōe, as Emperor Tenji.
  • Unonosasara, Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō Tennō) was the 41st imperial ruler of Japan, and ruled from 686 until 697. The previous emperor was her uncle and husband, Emperor Tenmu, and she later abdicated the throne to her grandson Emperor Monmu.
  • Ahe, Empress Genmei (also Empress Genmyō; 元明天皇 Genmei Tennō) was the 43rd imperial ruler of Japan ruling 707–715 (died December 7, 721). She was Empress Jitō's younger half-sister and the mother of Emperor Monmu, who died in an young age.
  • Hitaka, Empress Genshō (元正天皇 Genshō Tennō) was the 44th monarch of Japan (715–724). She succeeded after her mother Empress Genmei and later abdicated to her nephew Emperor Shōmu, son of Emperor Monmu.
  • Abe, Empress Kōken (孝謙天皇 Kōken Tennō) also Empress Shōtoku (称徳天皇 Shōtoku Tennō) was the 46th imperial ruler of Japan from 749 to 758, and the 48th from 764 to 770. Her posthumous name for her second reign (764–770) was Empress Shōtoku. She never married and her ex-crown prince was Prince Bunado, her first cousin twice removed, but after her death, another of her cousins ascended the throne as Emperor Kanmu, who was also her brother-in-law.
  • Okiko, Empress Meishō (明正天皇 Meishō Tennō) was the 109th empress of Japan, reigning from December 22, 1629, to November 14, 1643. She ascended upon the abdication of her father, being the eldest surviving child of her parents (the empress, Tokugawa Masako, had only four daughters without surviving sons), holding priority over her younger half-brothers.
  • Toshiko, Empress Go-Sakuramachi (後桜町天皇 Go-Sakuramachi Tennō) was the 117th empress of Japan, and ruled from September 15, 1762, to January 9, 1771. She abdicated in favor of her young nephew. Surviving over forty years, the retired Empress held all those decades the position of Dajo Tenno, and acted as sort of guardian of subsequent emperors.

Other than the eight historical empresses regnant, two additional empress are traditionally believed to have reigned, but historical evidence for their reigns is scant and they are not counted among the officially numbered Emperors/Empresses regnant:

Under Shinto religious influence, the goddess Amaterasu, who is of the highest rank in the kami system, might suggest that Japan's first rulers were women.[4] According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles in Japanese mythology, the Emperors of Japan are considered to be direct descendants of Amaterasu.

Empress consort

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Empress Kishi (c.1303–1333) and Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339) from Taiheiki Emaki (c.17th century). Owned by Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore.

Titles

[edit]
  • Kōgō [jp] (皇后) – It is the title of a non-reigning empress consort.[c] The title, still in use, is generally conferred on an emperor's wife who had given birth to the heir to the throne.[5] The title was first awarded posthumously in 806 to the late mother of Emperor Heizei.[6] In ancient Japan, most of the empresses consort were princesses, except for Iwa no hime (empress consort of Nintoku). After Empress Kōmyō (empress consort of Shōmu), daughters of the Fujiwara clan or other clans could become empresses consort.
  • Kōtaigō (皇太后) – Empress Mother/Empress Dowager
  • Tai-Kōtaigō (太皇太后) – Grand Empress Mother/Grand Empress Dowager
  • Chūgū [jp] (中宮) – It was a term that evolved during the Heian period; and it came to be understood as the title of the empress. For a time, Chūgū replaced Kōgō; and then the titles became interchangeable.[7] The numbers of Kōgō varied, but there was only one Chūgū at a time.[8] Originally, Chūgū (中宮) referred to the palace of the Kōgō (皇后), Kōtaigō (皇太后), or Tai-Kōtaigō (太皇太后). Until the mid-Heian Period, the emperor had only one empress consort, and the empress consort was also called Chūgū. From the time of Emperor Ichijō, when emperors had two empresses consort, one of them came to be called Kōgō and another one was called Chūgū.
  • Junbo-Ritsugō [jp] (准母立后) – It means individuals elevated to the rank of empress due to their position as honorary mother of the emperor. After maiden Princess Yasuko became empress as the honorary or adoptive mother of Emperor Horikawa, maiden princesses could also become empress.
  • Zōkō (贈后) – It means individuals that were given the title of empress posthumously.
  • Jōkōgō [jp] (上皇后) – Empress Emerita
  • Kōi [jp] (后位) – was an ancient title for empress consort or empress dowager. The definitions were laid down in the Ritsuryō code. Use during the Heian period is exemplified for example for the character Kiritsubo Consort (桐壺更衣, Kiritsubo no Kōi) in The Tale of Genji. The title Kōi later gave way for Kōgō (皇后) for the empress consort to avoid confusion.

List of empresses consort

[edit]
Portrait Name Spouse Tenure Life details
Himetataraisuzu-hime
媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛 		Emperor Jimmu 660[9]–581 BC[10]
(81 years) 		Daughter of Kotoshironushi. Married Emperor Jimmu in 681 BC.[9] Gave birth to Emperor Suizei and two other children. Empress dowager from 581 BC.[10]
Isuzuyori-hime
五十鈴依媛命 		Emperor Suizei 580[10]–548 BC[11]
(32 years) 		Daughter of Kotoshironushi. Gave birth to Emperor Annei. Empress dowager from 548 BC.[11]
Nunasokonakatsu-hime
渟名底仲媛命 		Emperor Annei 546[12]–510 BC[13]
(36 years) 		Daughter of Prince Kamo; niece of Himetataraisuzu-hime and Isuzuyori-hime. Gave birth to Emperor Itoku and two other children. Empress dowager from 510 BC.[13]
Amonotoyototsu-hime [ja]
天豊津媛命 		Emperor Itoku 509[13]–475 BC[14]
(34 years) 		Daughter of Prince Okisomimi; granddaughter of Emperor Annei and Nunasokonakatsu-hime. Gave birth to Emperor Kōshō and one other child. Empress dowager from 475 BC.[14]
Yosotarashi-hime
世襲足媛 		Emperor Kōshō 447[14]–392 BC[15]
(55 years) 		Daughter of Ame no Oshio no Mikoto. Gave birth to Emperor Kōan and one other child. Empress dowager from 392 BC.[15]
Oshihime [ja]
押媛 		Emperor Kōan 367[15]–290 BC[16]
(77 years) 		Daughter of Prince Ametarashihikokunioshihito; granddaughter of Emperor Kōshō and Yosotarashi-hime. Gave birth to Emperor Kōrei and one other child. Empress dowager from 290 BC.[16]
Kuwashi-hime
細媛命 		Emperor Kōrei 289[16]–214 BC[17]
(74 years) 		Daughter of Shiki no Agatanushi Oome. Gave birth to Emperor Kōgen. Empress dowager from 214 BC.[17]
Utsushikome [ja]
欝色謎命 		Emperor Kōgen 208[18]–157 BC[19]
(50 years) 		Daughter of Oyakuchisukune. Gave birth to Emperor Kaika and three other children. Empress dowager from 157 BC.[19]
Ikagashikome
伊香色謎命 		Emperor Kaika 152[19]–97 BC[20]
(75 years) 		Daughter of Ōhesoki. Was a concubine of Emperor Kōgen, with whom she had one child. Later married Emperor Kaika and gave birth to Emperor Sujin and one other child. Empress dowager from 97 BC.[20]
Mimaki-hime
御間城姫 		Emperor Sujin 97[20]–29 BC[21]
(68 years) 		Daughter of Prince Ōhiko; granddaughter of Emperor Kōgen and Utsushikome. Gave birth to Emperor Suinin and five other children. Empress dowager from 29 BC.[21]
Saho-hime
狭穂姫命 		Emperor Suinin 28[22]–25 BC[23]
(3 years) 		died 25 BC[23]
Daughter of Prince Hikoimasu; granddaughter of Emperor Kaika. Gave birth to one child. Died during the rebellion of her older brother, Sahohiko.[23]
Hibasu-hime [ja]

日葉酢媛命

15 BC[24]–AD 3[25]
(18 years) 		died AD 3[25]
Daughter of Prince Tanba-no-Michinoushi; great-granddaughter of Emperor Kaika; niece of Saho-hime. Gave birth to Emperor Keikō and four other children.
Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume [ja]

播磨稲日大郎姫

Emperor Keikō 72[26]–122[27]
(40 years) 		died 122[27]
Daughter of Prince Wakatakehiko; granddaughter of Emperor Kōrei. Gave birth to four children.
Yasakairi-hime [ja]

八坂入媛命

122[27]–132[28]
(10 years) 		Daughter of Prince Yasakairihiko; granddaughter of Emperor Sujin; half-cousin of Emperor Keikō. Gave birth to Emperor Seimu and 11 other children. Empress dowager from 132.[28]
Okinagatarashi-hime
気長足姫尊 		Emperor Chūai 193[29]–201[30]
(8 years) 		169–269
(100 years)
Daughter of Okinaganosukune; great-great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Kaika. Gave birth to Emperor Ōjin and served as his regent from 201 until 269. Empress dowager from 201.[30]
Nakatsu-hime
仲姫命 		Emperor Ōjin 271[31]–313[32]
(41 years) 		Daughter of Homudamawaka. Gave birth to Emperor Nintoku and two other children. Empress Dowager from 313.[32]
Princess Iwa
磐之媛命 		Emperor Nintoku 314[33]–347[34]
(33 years) 		died 347[34]
Daughter of Katsuragi no Sotsuhiko; great-great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Kōgen. Poet. Gave birth to Emperor Richū, Emperor Hanzei, Emperor Ingyō and one other child.
Princess Yata
八田皇女 		appointed 350[34] Daughter of Emperor Ōjin.
Princess Kusakanohatabino
草香幡梭皇女 		Emperor Richū appointed 405[35] Daughter of Emperor Ōjin. Gave birth to Princess Nakashi.
Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime
忍坂大中姫 		Emperor Ingyō 413[36]–453[37]
(40 years) 		Daughter of Prince Wakanuke no Futamata; granddaughter of Emperor Ōjin. Gave birth to Emperor Ankō, Emperor Yūryaku and seven other children. Empress dowager from 453.[37]
Princess Nakashi
中磯皇女 		Emperor Ankō appointed 455[38] Daughter of Emperor Richū and Kusakanohatabino-hime; niece of Emperor Ankō. Previously married to Prince Ōkusaka, son of Emperor Nintoku, and had one child with him. Became a concubine of Emperor Ankō in 454.[38]
Kusaka no Hatabi no hime
草香幡梭姫皇女 		Emperor Yūryaku appointed 457[39] Daughter of Emperor Nintoku.
Princess Naniwa no Ono
難波小野王 		Emperor Kenzō 485[40]–489[41]
(4 years) 		died 489[41]
In the Nihon Shoki: daughter of Prince Oka-no-Wakugo; great-granddaughter of Emperor Ingyō. In the Kojiki: daughter of Prince Iwaki; granddaughter of Emperor Yūryaku. Committed suicide due to fears over disrespecting Emperor Ninken when he was crown prince.[41]
Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume
春日大娘皇女 		Emperor Ninken appointed 488[42] Daughter of Emperor Yuryaku. Gave birth to Emperor Buretsu, Princess Tashiraka, Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu and six other children.
Kasuga no Iratsume
春日娘子 		Emperor Buretsu appointed 499[43] Unknown parents.
Princess Tashiraka
手白香皇女 		Emperor Keitai appointed 507[44] born 489
Daughter of Emperor Ninken and Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume. Gave birth to one child.
Princess Kasuga no Yamada
春日山田皇女 		Emperor Ankan appointed 534[45] Daughter of Emperor Ninken. Married Emperor Ankan in 513.[46]
Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu
橘仲皇女 		Emperor Senka 536[47]–539[48]
(3 years) 		Daughter of Emperor Ninken and Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume. Gave birth to five children. Empress dowager from 539.[48]
Princess Ishi-hime
石姫皇女 		Emperor Kinmei 540[49]–572[50]
(32 years) 		Daughter of Emperor Senka and Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu. Gave birth to Emperor Bidatsu and two other children. Empress dowager from 572.
Hirohime
広姫 		Emperor Bidatsu 575[51][52]
(10 months) 		died 575
Daughter of Prince Okinaga-no-Mate; great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Ōjin. Gave birth to three children.
Princess Nukatabe
額田部皇女 		576[52]–585
(9 years) 		554–628
(74 years)
Daughter of Emperor Kinmei. Gave birth to eight children. Empress regnant from 592.
Princess Hashihito no Anahobe
穴穂部間人皇女 		Emperor Yōmei 586[53]–587
(1 year) 		560–621
(61 years)
Daughter of Emperor Kinmei. Married to Emperor Yōmei in 564. Gave birth to four children.
Princess Takara
宝皇女 		Emperor Jomei 630[54]–641
(11 years) 		594–661
(67 years)
Daughter of Prince Chinu; great-granddaughter of Emperor Bidatsu. Gave birth to Emperor Tenji, Emperor Kōtoku and one other child. Empress regnant from 642 until 645 and from 655 until 661.
Princess Hashihito
間人皇女 		Emperor Kōtoku appointed 645 died 665
Daughter of Emperor Jomei and Princess Takara.
Yamato Hime no Ōkimi
倭姫王 		Emperor Tenji appointed 668[55] Daughter of Prince Furuhito no Ōe; granddaughter of Emperor Jomei. Poet. Gave birth to Emperor Tenmu.
Princess Unonosarara
鸕野讃良皇女 		Emperor Tenmu 673[56]–686
(13 years) 		645–703
(57–58 years)
Daughter of Emperor Tenji. Gave birth to one child. Empress regnant from 686 until 697.
Fujiwara Asukabehime
藤原安宿媛 		Emperor Shōmu 729–749
(9 years) 		701–760
(58–59 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Gave birth to Empress Kōken and one other child. Empress dowager from 749.
Princess Inoe
井上内親王 		Emperor Kōnin 770–772
(2 years) 		717–775
(57–58 years)
Daughter of Emperor Shōmu; half-sister of Empress Kōken. Gave birth to Sakahito, as well as to Osabe who was named crown prince. Deposed in 772 after being accused of using curses and black magic to promote Osabe to the throne.
Fujiwara no Otomuro
藤原乙牟漏 		Emperor Kanmu 783–790
(6 years) 		760–790
(29–30 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu. Gave birth to Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Princess Koshi. Posthumously appointed empress dowager in 806.
Fujiwara no Tarashiko
藤原帯子 		Emperor Heizei posthumously appointed in 806 died 794
Daughter of Fujiwara no Momokawa. Married Emperor Heizei before his accession to the throne.
Tachibana no Kachiko
橘嘉智子 		Emperor Saga 815–823
(7 years) 		786–850
(63–64 years)
Daughter of Tachibana no Kiyotomo. Married Emperor Saga in 809. Gave birth to Emperor Ninmyō, Princess Seishi and five other children. Empress dowager from 823 until 833. Grand empress dowager from 833.
Princess Koshi
高志内親王 		Emperor Junna posthumously appointed in 823 789–809
(19–20 years)
Daughter of Emperor Kanmu and Fujiwara no Otomuro. Married Emperor Junna in 804. Gave birth to four children.
Princess Seishi
正子内親王 		Emperor Junna 827–833
(6 years) 		810–879
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Emperor Saga and Tachibana no Kachiko. Gave birth to three children. Empress dowager from 833 until 854. Grand empress dowager from 854.
Fujiwara no Onshi
藤原穏子 		Emperor Daigo 923–931
(7 years) 		885–954
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Mototsune. Gave birth to Emperor Suzaku, Emperor Murakami and two other children. Empress dowager from 931 until 946. Grand empress dowager from 946.
Fujiwara no Anshi
藤原安子 		Emperor Murakami 958–964
(5 years) 		927–964
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Morosuke. Gave birth to Emperor Reizei, Emperor En'yu and seven other children.
Princess Masako
昌子内親王 		Emperor Reizei 967–973
(5 years) 		950–1000
(49–50 years)
Daughter of Emperor Suzaku. Adopted one child. Empress dowager from 973 until 986. Grand empress dowager from 986.
Fujiwara no Koshi
藤原媓子 		Emperor En'yū 973–979
(5 years) 		947–979
(31–32 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Kanemichi.
Fujiwara no Junshi
藤原遵子 		982–997
(15 years) 		957–1017
(59–60 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Yoritada. Empress dowager from 1000 until 1012. Grand empress dowager from 1012.
Fujiwara no Teishi
藤原定子 		Emperor Ichijō 990–1001
(10 years) 		977–1001
(23–24 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka. Gave birth to three children.
Fujiwara no Shōshi
藤原彰子 		1000–1012
(12 years) 		988–1074
(86 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Ichijō and Emperor Go-Suzaku. Empress dowager from 1012 to 1018. Grand empress dowager from 1018.
Fujiwara no Seishi
藤原娍子 		Emperor Sanjō 1012–1016
(4 years) 		972–1025
(52–53 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Naritoki. Gave birth to six children.
Fujiwara no Kenshi
藤原妍子 		1012–1018
(6 years) 		994–1027
(32–33 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Gave birth to Princess Teishi. Empress dowager from 1018.
Fujiwara no Ishi
藤原威子 		Emperor Go-Ichijō 1018–1036
(18 years) 		1027–1105
(77–78 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Gave birth to Princess Shōshi (1027–1105) and Princess Kaoruko.
Princess Teishi
禎子内親王 		Emperor Go-Suzaku 1037–1051
(14 years) 		1013–1094
(80 years)
Daughter of Emperor Sanjō and Fujiwara no Kenshi (994–1027). Gave birth to Emperor Go-Sanjō and two other children. Empress dowager from 1051 until 1068. Grand empress dowager from 1068.
Fujiwara no Genshi
藤原嫄子 		1037–1039
(2 years) 		1016–1039
(23 years)
Daughter of Prince Atsuyasu; granddaughter of Emperor Ichijō; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Gave birth to two children.
Princess Shōshi
章子内親王 		Emperor Go-Reizei 1046–1068
(22 years) 		1027–1105
(77–78 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Ichijō and Fujiwara no Ishi. Empress dowager from 1068 until 1069. Grand empress dowager from 1069.
Fujiwara no Hiroko
藤原寛子 		1051–1069
(18 years) 		1036–1127
(90–91 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Empress dowager from 1069 until 1074. Grand empress dowager from 1074.
Fujiwara no Kanshi
藤原歓子 		1068–1074
(6 years) 		1021–1102
(80–81 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Norimichi. Gave birth to one child. Empress dowager from 1074.
Princess Kaoruko
馨子内親王 		Emperor Go-Sanjō 1069–1093[57]
(24 years) 		1029–1093
(63–64 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Ichijō. Married Emperor Go-Sanjō in 1051.
Fujiwara no Kenshi
藤原賢子 		Emperor Shirakawa 1074–1084
(10 years) 		1057–1084
(26–27 years)
Daughter of Minamoto Akifusa; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Morozane. Gave birth to Emperor Horikawa and four other children.
Princess Yasuko
媞子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Horikawa 1091–1093
(2 years) 		1076–1096
(19–20 years)
Daughter of Emperor Shirakawa and Fujiwara no Kenshi (1057–1084); sister of Emperor Horikawa.
Princess Tokushi
篤子内親王 		Emperor Horikawa 1093–1107
(14 years) 		1060–1114
(53–54 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Sanjō and Princess Kaoruko.
Princess Reishi
令子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Toba 1108–1134
(26 years) 		1078–1144
(65–66 years)
Daughter of Emperor Shirakawa and Fujiwara no Kenshi (1057–1084); aunt of Emperor Toba.
Fujiwara no Tamako
藤原璋子 		Emperor Toba 1118–1124
(6 years) 		1101–1145
(43–44 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Kinzane. Raised by Emperor Shirakawa after losing her father when she was seven years old. Gave birth to Emperor Sutoku, Emperor Go-Shirakawa, Princess Muneko and four other children.
Fujiwara no Kiyoko
藤原聖子 		Emperor Sutoku 1130–1142
(12 years) 		1122–1182
(59–60 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Tadamichi. Empress dowager from 1142.
Fujiwara no Yasuko
藤原泰子 		Emperor Toba 1134–1139
(5 years) 		1095–1156
(60–61 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Tadazane.
Fujiwara no Nariko
藤原得子 		1142–1149
(7 years) 		1117–1160
(42–43 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Nagazane. Gave birth to Emperor Konoe, Princess Yoshiko (1141–1176) and two other children.
Fujiwara no Tashi
藤原多子 		Emperor Konoe 1150–1156
(6 years) 		1140–1202
(61–62 years)
Daughter of Tokudaiji Kinyoshi; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Yorinaga. Empress dowager from 1156. Grand empress dowager from 1158. Consort of Emperor Nijō from 1160 until 1165. Only empress to become the consort of two emperors.
Fujiwara no Teishi
藤原泰子 		Emperor Konoe 1150–1158
(7 years) 		1131–1176
(44–45 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Koremichi; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Tadamichi.
Fujiwara no Kinshi
藤原忻子 		Emperor Go-Shirakawa 1156–1172
(7 years) 		1134–1209
(74–75 years)
Daughter of Tokudaiji Kinyoshi. Empress dowager from 1172.
Princess Muneko
統子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Shirakawa 1158–1159
(11 months) 		1126–1189
(62 years)
Daughter of Emperor Toba and Fujiwara no Tamako; sister of Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Princess Yoshiko
姝子内親王 		Emperor Nijō 1159–1162
(2 years) 		1141–1176
(34 years)
Daughter of Emperor Toba and Fujiwara no Nariko.
Fujiwara no Ikushi
藤原育子 		1162–1173
(11 years) 		1146–1173
(26–27 years)
Daughter of Tokudaiji Saneyoshi; foster mother of Emperor Rokujō.
Taira no Tokuko
平徳子 		Emperor Takakura 1172–1182
(9 years) 		1155–1214
(58–59 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Gave birth to Emperor Antoku.
Princess Sukeko
亮子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Antoku
(until 1183)
Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Toba
(from 1183) 		1182–1187
(4 years) 		1147–1216
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa; aunt of Emperor Antoku and Emperor Go-Toba.
Fujiwara no Ninshi
藤原任子 		Emperor Go-Toba 1190–1200
(10 years) 		1147–1216
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Kanezane. Gave birth to Princess Shōshi (1195–1211).
Princess Noriko
範子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Tsuchimikado 1198–1206
(8 years) 		1177–1210
(32 years)
Daughter of Emperor Takakura; aunt of Emperor Tsuchimikado.
Fujiwara no Reishi
藤原麗子 		Emperor Tsuchimikado 1205–1210
(4 years) 		1185–1243
(57–58 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Yorizane.
Princess Shōshi
昇子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Prince Morinari 1208–1209
(8 months) 		1195–1211
(16 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Toba and Fujiwara no Ninshi; sister of Prince Morinari (later Emperor Juntoku).
Fujiwara no Ritsushi
九条立子 		Emperor Juntoku 1211–1222
(11 years) 		1192–1248
(55–56 years)
Daughter of Kujō Yoshitsune. Gave birth to Emperor Chūkyō and one other child.
Princess Kuniko
邦子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Horikawa 1222–1224
(2 years) 		1209–1283
(73–74 years)
Daughter of Prince Morisada; granddaughter of Emperor Takakura; sister of Emperor Go-Horikawa. Surrogate mother to Emperor Kameyama.
Fujiwara no Ariko
藤原有子 		Emperor Go-Horikawa 1223–1227
(3 years) 		1207–1286
(78–79 years)
Daughter of Sanjō Kinfusa.
Fujiwara no Chōshi
藤原長子 		1226–1229
(2 years) 		1218–1275
(56–57 years)
Daughter of Konoe Iezane.
Fujiwara no Shunshi
藤原竴子 		1230–1233
(3 years) 		1218–1275
(56–57 years)
Daughter of Kujō Michiie. Gave birth to Emperor Shijō and one other child.
Princess Rishi
利子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Shijō 1233–1239
(6 years) 		1197–1251
(53–54 years)
Daughter of Prince Morisada; granddaughter of Emperor Takakura; aunt of Emperor Shijō.
Fujiwara no Kisshi
藤原姞子 		Emperor Go-Saga 1242–1248
(6 years) 		1225–1292
(66–67 years)
Daughter of Saionji Saneuji. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Fukakusa, Emperor Kameyama and three other children.
Princess Teruko
曦子内親王 		Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Saga 1248–1251
(2 years) 		1224–1262
(37–38 years)
Daughter of Emperor Tsuchimikado; aunt of Emperor Go-Saga.
Fujiwara no Kimiko
藤原公子 		Emperor Go-Fukakusa 1257–1260
(2 years) 		1232–1304
(71–72 years)
Daughter of Saionji Saneuji. Gave birth to Princess Reishi (1270–1307) and one other child.
Fujiwara no Saneko
藤原佶子 		Emperor Kameyama 1261–1272
(11 years) 		1245–1272
(26–27 years)
Daughter of Tōin Saneo. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Uda and two other children.
Fujiwara no Kishi
藤原嬉子 		1261–1269
(7 years) 		1252–1318
(65–66 years)
Daughter of Saionji Kinsuke.
Princess Reishi
姈子内親王 		Emperor Go-Uda 1285–1291
(5 years) 		1270–1307
(36 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Fukakusa and Fujiwara no Kimiko.
Saionji Shōshi
西園寺鏱子 		Emperor Fushimi 1288–1298
(9 years) 		1271–1342
(70–71 years)
Daughter of Saionji Sanekane. Poet. Adopted Emperor Go-Fushimi.
Fujiwara no Kinshi
藤原忻子 		Emperor Go-Nijō 1303–1308
(4 years) 		1283–1352
(68–69 years)
Daughter of Tokudaiji Kintaka.
Princess Shōshi
奨子内親王 		Honorary Empress of Emperor Go-Daigo 1319
(6 months) 		1286–1348
(62 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Uda; half-sister of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Saionji Kishi
西園寺禧子 		Emperor Go-Daigo 1319–1333
(14 years) 		after 1295 and before 1305–1333
(27–38 years)
Daughter of Saionji Sanekane. Poet. Married Emperor Go-Daigo in 1314. Gave birth to Princess Kanshi and one other child. Empress dowager from 1333.
Princess Junshi
珣子内親王 		1334–1337
(3 years) 		1311–1337
(25–26 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Fushimi. Gave birth to one child.
Daughter of Saionji Kinshige Emperor Chōkei appointed as early as 1371 Name unknown. Gave birth to one child.
Tokugawa Masako
徳川和子 		Emperor Go-Mizunoo 1624–1629
(5 years) 		1607–1678
(70 years)
Daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada. Gave birth to Empress Meishō and six other children. Adopted Emperor Go-Kōmyō and Emperor Go-Sai.
Takatsukasa Fusako
鷹司房子 		Emperor Reigen 1683–1687
(3 years) 		1653–1712
(58 years)
Daughter of Takatsukasa Norihira. Gave birth to one child.
Princess Yukiko
幸子女王 		Emperor Higashiyama 1708–1710
(2 years) 		1680–1720
(39 years)
Daughter of Prince Arisugawa Yukihito. Gave birth to one child.
Princess Yoshiko
欣子内親王 		Emperor Kōkaku 1794–1820
(26 years) 		1779–1846
(67 years)
Daughter of Emperor Go-Momozono. Last daughter of an emperor to become empress. Gave birth to two children. Adopted Emperor Ninkō. Empress dowager from 1820.
Takatsukasa Tsunako
鷹司繋子 		Emperor Ninkō posthumously appointed in 1824 1798–1823
(24–25 years)
Daughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. Married Emperor Ninkō in 1817. Gave birth to two children.
Ichijō Masako
一条勝子 		Emperor Meiji 11 January 1869
–
30 July 1912
(43 years, 201 days) 		9 May 1849
–
9 April 1914
(64 years, 335 days)
Daughter of Tadayoshi Ichijō.
Married Emperor Meiji on 11 January 1869.
Adopted Emperor Taishō (son of Emperor Meiji and Yanagiwara Naruko).
Empress dowager from her husband's death in 1912 until her death in 1914.
Kujō Sadako
九条節子 		Emperor Taishō 30 July 1912
–
25 December 1926
(14 years, 148 days) 		25 June 1884
–
17 May 1951
(66 years, 327 days)
Daughter of Kujō Michitaka.
Married Emperor Taishō on 10 May 1900.
Gave birth to four sons.
Empress Dowager from her husband's death in 1926 until her death in 1951.
Princess Nagako
良子女王 		Emperor Shōwa 25 December 1926
–
7 January 1989
(62 years, 13 days) 		6 March 1903
–
16 June 2000
(97 years, 92 days)
Daughter of Prince Kuni Kuniyoshi.
Married Emperor Shōwa on 26 January 1924.
Gave birth to seven children.
Empress Dowager from her husband's death in 1989 until her death in 2000.
Shōda Michiko
正田美智子 		Akihito 7 January 1989
–
30 April 2019
(30 years, 113 days) 		born 20 October 1934
(89 years, 292 days)
Daughter of Hidesaburō Shōda.
Married Akihito on 10 April 1959.
Gave birth to three children.
Empress Emerita from her husband's abdication in 2019.
Owada Masako
小和田雅子 		Naruhito 1 May 2019
–
present
(5 years, 98 days) 		born 9 December 1963
(60 years, 242 days)
Daughter of Hisashi Owada.
Married Naruhito on 9 June 1993.
Gave birth to one daughter.

List of empresses dowager

[edit]
Portrait Name Reign Life details
Himetataraisuzu-hime
媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛 		appointed in 581 BC[10] Empress consort of Emperor Jimmu from 660 BC until 581 BC.
Isuzuyori-hime
五十鈴依媛命 		appointed in 548 BC[11] Empress consort of Emperor Suizei from 580 BC until 548 BC.
Nunasokonakatsu-hime
渟名底仲媛命 		appointed in 510 BC[13] Empress consort of Emperor Annei from 546 BC until 510 BC.
Amonotoyototsu-hime
天豊津媛命 		appointed in 475 BC[14] Empress consort of Emperor Itoku from 509 BC until 475 BC.
Yosotarashi-hime
世襲足媛 		appointed in 392 BC[15] Empress consort of Emperor Kōshō from 447 BC until 392 BC.
Oshi-hime
押媛 		appointed in 290 BC[16] Empress consort of Emperor Kōan from 367 BC until 290 BC.
Kuwashi-hime
細媛命 		appointed in 214 BC[17] Empress consort of Emperor Kōrei from 289 BC until 214 BC.
Utsushikome
欝色謎命 		appointed in 157 BC[19] Empress consort of Emperor Kōgen from 208 BC until 157 BC.
Ikagashikome
伊香色謎命 		appointed in 97 BC[20] Empress consort of Emperor Kaika from 152 BC until 97 BC.
Mimaki-hime
御間城姫 		appointed in 29 BC[21] Empress consort of Emperor Sujin from 97 BC until 29 BC.
Yasakairi-hime
八坂入媛命 		appointed in 132[28] Empress consort of Emperor Keikō from 122 until 132.
Futajiiri-hime
両道入姫命 		appointed in 192 Daughter of Emperor Suinin. Spouse of Yamato Takeru. Gave birth to Emperor Chūai and three other children.
Okinagatarashi-hime
気長足姫尊 		201[30]–269
(68 years) 		169–269
(100 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Chūai from 193 until 201. Regent of Emperor Ōjin from 201 until 269.
Nakatsu-hime
仲姫命 		appointed in 313[32] Empress consort of Emperor Ōjin from 271 until 313.
Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime
忍坂大中姫 		appointed in 453[37] Empress consort of Emperor Ingyō from 413 until 453.
Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu
橘仲皇女 		appointed in 539[48] Empress consort of Emperor Senka from 536 until 539.
Princess Ishi-hime
石姫皇女 		appointed in 572[50] Empress consort of Emperor Kinmei from 540 until 572.
Fujiwara Asukabehime
藤原安宿媛 		749–760
(10 years) 		701–760
(58–59 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Shōmu from 729 until 749.
Ki no Tochihime
紀橡姫 		posthumously appointed in 771 died 709
Daughter of Ki no Morohito. Spouse of Prince Shiki. Gave birth to Emperor Kōnin and one other child.
Takano no Niigasa
石姫皇女 		790–806
(16 years, posthumous) 		ca. 720–790
(70 years)
Daughter of Yamato no Ototsugu. Concubine of Emperor Kōnin. Gave birth to Emperor Kanmu and two other children. Posthumously appointed grand empress dowager in 806.
Fujiwara no Otomuro
藤原乙牟漏 		posthumously appointed in 806 760–790
(29–30 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Kanmu from 783 until 790.
Fujiwara no Ryoshi
藤原乙牟漏 		posthumously appointed in 823 759–788
(28–29 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Momokawa. Consort of Emperor Kanmu from 785 until 788. Gave birth to Emperor Junna.
Tachibana no Kachiko
橘嘉智子 		823–833
(9 years) 		786–850
(63–64 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Saga from 815 until 823. Grand empress dowager from 833.
Princess Seishi
正子内親王 		833–854
(21 years) 		810–879
(68–69 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Junna from 827 until 833. Grand empress dowager from 854.
Fujiwara no Junshi
藤原順子 		854–864
(9 years) 		809–871
(61–62 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. Consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 850. Grand empress dowager from 864.
Fujiwara no Akirakeiko
藤原明子 		864–882
(17 years) 		829–900
(70–71 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. Consort of Emperor Montoku from 850 to 858. Grand empress dowager from 882.
Fujiwara no Takaiko
藤原高子 		882–896
(12 years)
posthumously restored in 943 		842–910
(67–68 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Nagara. Consort of Emperor Seiwa from 866 to 877. Title of empress dowager removed in 896 due to a suspected affair with Zenyu, head priest of the Toko-ji Temple. Title posthumously restored in 943.
Fujiwara no Sawako
藤原沢子 		posthumously appointed in 884 died 839
Daughter of Fujiwara no Fusatsugu. Consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 839. Gave birth to Emperor Kōkō and three other children.
Fujiwara no Inshi
藤原胤子 		posthumously appointed in 897 died 896
Daughter of Fujiwara no Takafuji. Consort of Emperor Uda from 892 until 896. Gave birth to Emperor Daigo and four other children.
Princess Hanshi
班子女王 		897–900
(2 years) 		833–900
(66–67 years)
Daughter of Prince Nakano; granddaughter of Emperor Kanmu. Consort of Emperor Kōkō from 884 until 887. Gave birth to Emperor Uda and seven other children.
Fujiwara no Onshi
藤原穏子 		931–946
(14 years) 		885–954
(68–69 years)
Empress Consort of Emperor Daigo from 923 until 931. Grand empress dowager from 946.
Fujiwara no Anshi
藤原安子 		968–969
(1 year, posthumous) 		927–964
(68–69 years)
Empress Consort of Emperor Murakami from 958 until 964. Posthumously appointed grand empress dowager in 969.
Princess Masako
昌子内親王 		973–986
(13 years) 		950–1000
(49–50 years)
Empress Consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 973. Grand empress dowager from 986.
Fujiwara no Chikako
藤原懐子 		posthumously appointed in 985 945–975
(29–30 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Koretada. Consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 975. Gave birth to Emperor Kazan and two more children.
Fujiwara no Senshi
藤原詮子 		986–991
(5 years) 		962–1002
(39–40 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie. Consort of Emperor En'yū from 978 until 986. Priestess from 991.
Fujiwara no Junshi
藤原遵子 		1000–1012
(11 years) 		957–1017
(59–60 years)
Empress consort of Emperor En'yū from 982 until 997. Grand empress dowager from 1012.
Fujiwara no Tōko
藤原超子 		posthumously appointed in 1011 954–982
(27–28 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie. Consort of Emperor Reizei from 968 until 982. Gave birth to Emperor Sanjō and three other children.
Fujiwara no Shōshi
藤原彰子 		1012–1018
(5 years) 		988–1074
(86 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Ichijō from 1000 until 1012. Grand empress dowager from 1018.
Fujiwara no Kenshi
藤原妍子 		1018–1027
(8 years) 		994–1027
(32–33 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Sanjō from 1012 until 1018.
Fujiwara no Yoshiko
藤原嬉子 		posthumously appointed in 1045 1007–1025
(18 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Spouse of then Prince Atsunaga (later Emperor Go-Suzaku). Gave birth to Emperor Go-Reizei. Died prior to the accession of Emperor Go-Suzaku.
Princess Teishi
禎子内親王 		1051–1068
(17 years) 		1013–1094
(80 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku from 1037 until 1051. Grand empress dowager from 1068.
Princess Shōshi
章子内親王 		1068–1069
(1 year) 		1027–1105
(77–78 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1046 until 1068. Grand empress dowager from 1069.
Fujiwara no Hiroko
藤原寛子 		1069–1074
(4 years) 		1036–1127
(90–91 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1051 until 1069. Grand empress dowager from 1074.
Fujiwara no Shigeko
藤原茂子 		posthumously appointed in 1073 died 1062
Daughter of Fujiwara Kinnari. Adopted daughter of Fujiwara Yoshinobu. Spouse of Prince Takahito (later Emperor Go-Sanjō) from 1046 until 1062. Gave birth to Emperor Shirakawa, Princess Tokushi and three other children. Died prior to the accession of Emperor Go-Sanjō.
Fujiwara no Kanshi
藤原歓子 		1074–1102
(28 years) 		1021–1102
(80–81 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1068 until 1074.
Fujiwara no Kenshi
藤原妍子 		posthumously appointed in 1088 1057–1084
(26–27 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Shirakawa from 1074 until 1084.
Fujiwara no Ishi
藤原苡子 		posthumously appointed in 1107 1076–1103
(26–27 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Sanesue. Consort of Emperor Horikawa from 1098 until 1103. Gave birth to Emperor Toba.
Fujiwara no Kiyoko
藤原聖子 		1142–1150
(8 years) 		1122–1182
(59–60 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Sutoku from 1130 until 1142. Received an imperial title in 1150.
Fujiwara no Tashi
藤原多子 		1156–1158
(1 year) 		1140–1202
(61–62 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1156. Grand empress dowager from 1158.
Minamoto no Yoshiko
源懿子 		posthumously appointed in 1159 1116–1143
(27–28 years)
Daughter of Fujiwara no Tsunizage. Adopted daughter of Minamoto no Arihito. Spouse of Prince Masahito (later Emperor Go-Shirakawa). Gave birth to Emperor Nijō. Died prior to the accession of Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Fujiwara no Teishi
藤原泰子 		1158–1168
(10 years) 		1131–1176
(44–45 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1158. Received an imperial title in 1168.
Taira no Shigeko
平滋子 		1168–1169
(1 year) 		1142–1176
(44–45 years)
Daughter of Taira no Tokinobu. Consort of Emperor Go-Shirakawa following his abdication until 1168. Gave birth to Emperor Takakura. Received an imperial title in 1169.
Fujiwara no Kinshi
藤原忻子 		1172–1209
(37 years) 		1134–1209
(74–75 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Shirakawa from 1156 until 1172.
Minamoto no Michiko
源通子 		posthumously appointed in 1243 died 1221
Daughter of Minamoto no Michimune. Lady-in-waiting of Emperor Tsuchimikado. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Saga and four other children.
Saionji Kishi
西園寺禧子 		1333
(1 month) 		after 1295 and before 1305–1333
(27–38 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Daigo from 1319 until 1333.
Ano no Renshi
阿野廉子 		1339–1352
(12 years) 		1301–1359
(57–58 years)
Daughter of Ano Kinkado; adopted daughter of Tōin Kinkata. Consort of Emperor Go-Daigo from 1335 until 1339. Received an imperial title in 1352.
Niwata Asako
庭田朝子 		posthumously appointed in 1504 1437–1492
(54–55 years)
Daughter of Niwata Shigekata. Lady-in-waiting of Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Kashiwabara and two other children.
Madenokōji Eiko
万里小路栄子 		posthumously appointed in 1558 1499–1522
(20–21 years)
Daughter of Madenokōji Katafusa. Spouse of Prince Tomohito (later Emperor Go-Nara). Gave birth to Emperor Ōgimachi and one other child. Died prior to the accession of Emperor Go-Nara.
Konoe Hisako
近衛尚子 		posthumously appointed in 1728 1702–1720
(17 years)
Daughter of Konoe Iehiro. Consort of Emperor Nakamikado from 1716 until 1720. Gave birth to Emperor Sakuramachi.
Nijō Ieko
近衛尚子 		1747–1750
(3 years) 		1716–1790
(73 years)
Daughter of Nijō Yoshitada. Consort of Emperor Sakuramachi from 1736 until 1747. Gave birth to Empress Go-Sakuramachi and one other child. Received an imperial title in 1750.
Ichijō Tomiko
一条富子 		1771
(2 months) 		1743–1796
(52 years)
Daughter of Ichijō Kaneka. Consort of Emperor Momozono from 1759 until 1771. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Momozono and one other child. Received an imperial title in 1771.
Konoe Koreko
近衛維子 		1781–1783
(2 years) 		1760–1783
(23 years)
Daughter of Konoe Uchisaki. Consort of Emperor Go-Momozono from 1772 until 1781. Gave birth to Princess Yoshiko. Adopted Emperor Kōkaku.
Princess Yoshiko
欣子内親王 		1820–1841
(21 years) 		1779–1846
(67 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Kōkaku from 1794 until 1820. Received an imperial title in 1841.
Takatsukasa Yasuko
鷹司祺子 		1847
(8 months) 		1811–1847
(36 years)
Daughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. Consort of Emperor Ninkō from 1825 until 1847. Gave birth to one child.
Kujō Asako
九条夙子 		1868–1897
(28 years) 		1835–1897
(62 years)
Daughter of Kujō Hisatada. Consort of Emperor Kōmei from 1848 until 1868. Gave birth to two children. Adopted Emperor Meiji.
Ichijō Masako
一条勝子 		30 July 1912
–
9 April 1914
(1 year, 253 days) 		9 May 1849
–
9 April 1914
(64 years, 335 days)
Empress consort of Emperor Meiji from 1869 until 1912.
Kujō Sadako
九条節子 		25 December 1926
–
17 May 1951
(24 years, 143 days) 		25 June 1884
–
17 May 1951
(66 years, 327 days)
Empress consort of Emperor Taishō from 1912 until 1926.
Princess Nagako
良子女王 		7 January 1989
–
16 June 2000
(11 years, 161 days) 		6 March 1903
–
16 June 2000
(97 years, 92 days)
Empress consort of Emperor Shōwa from 1926 until 1989.

List of grand empresses dowager

[edit]
Portrait Name Reign Life details
Fujiwara no Miyako
藤原宮子 		749–754
(28 years) 		died 754
Daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Spouse of Emperor Monmu from 697 until 707. Gave birth to Emperor Shōmu.
Takano no Niigasa
石姫皇女 		posthumously appointed in 806 ca. 720–790
(70 years)
Concubine of Emperor Kōnin. Posthumous empress dowager from 790 until 806.
Tachibana no Kachiko
橘嘉智子 		833–850
(17 years) 		786–850
(63–64 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Saga from 815 until 823. Empress dowager from 823 until 833.
Princess Seishi
正子内親王 		854–860
(6 years) 		810–879
(68–69 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Junna from 827 until 833. Empress dowager from 833 until 854. Became a priestess in 860.
Fujiwara no Junshi
藤原順子 		864–871
(7 years) 		809–871
(61–62 years)
Consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 850. Empress dowager from 854 until 864.
Fujiwara no Akirakeiko
藤原明子 		882–900
(18 years) 		829–900
(70–71 years)
Consort of Emperor Montoku from 850 to 858. Empress dowager from 864 until 882.
Fujiwara no Onshi
藤原穏子 		946–954
(7 years) 		885–954
(68–69 years)
Empress Consort of Emperor Daigo from 923 until 931. Empress dowager from 931 until 946.
Fujiwara no Anshi
藤原安子 		posthumously appointed in 969 927–964
(68–69 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Murakami from 958 until 964. Posthumous empress dowager from 968 until 969.
Princess Masako
昌子内親王 		986–1000
(3 years) 		950–1000
(49–50 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 973. Empress dowager from 973 until 986.
Fujiwara no Junshi
藤原遵子 		1012–1017
(5 years) 		957–1017
(59–60 years)
Empress consort of Emperor En'yū from 982 until 997. Empress dowager from 1000 until 1012.
Fujiwara no Shōshi
藤原彰子 		1018–1074
(56 years) 		988–1074
(86 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Ichijō from 1000 until 1012. Empress dowager from 1012 until 1018.
Princess Teishi
禎子内親王 		1068–1094
(17 years) 		1013–1094
(80 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku from 1037 until 1051. Empress dowager from 1051 until 1068.
Princess Shōshi
章子内親王 		1069–1105
(36 years) 		1027–1105
(77–78 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1046 until 1068. Empress dowager from 1068 until 1069.
Princess Reishi
令子内親王 		1134–1144
(10 years) 		1078–1144
(65–66 years)
Honorary empress from 1108 until 1134.
Fujiwara no Tashi
藤原多子 		1158–1202
(44 years) 		1140–1202
(61–62 years)
Empress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1156. Empress dowager from 1156 until 1158. Consort of Emperor Nijō from 1160 until 1165.

See also

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ Japanese: 皇后, romanized: Kōgō
  2. ^ East Asian royal titles are all related. For example, an empress regnant is called nǚhuáng in Chinese, yeoje in Korean, Nữ hoàng in Vietnamese, and jotei in Japanese, but these are all just their respective pronunciations of the Chinese character 女皇帝 ("female emperor") or its abbreviation. But, the Japanese call only their emperors/empresses-regnant with the special title tennō/josei tennō.
  3. ^ East Asian royal titles are all related. For example, an empress consort is called huánghòu in Chinese, hwanghu in Korean, hoàng hậu in Vietnamese, and kōgō in Japanese, but these are all just their respective pronunciations of the Chinese character 皇后 ("emperor's consort").

References

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  1. ^ "Activities of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  2. ^ Cherry, Kittredge (2016-11-14). Womansword: What Japanese Words Say About Women. Stone Bridge Press. ISBN 978-1-61172-919-1. During Japan's long history eight women have ruled as female emperor or josei tenno. An older term is empress or jotei. In English "empress" can mean either a reigning monarch or the wife of an emperor, but in Japanese there are separate words for each. The title bestowed on the emperor's wife is kogo.
  3. ^ "Life in the Cloudy Imperial Fishbowl", Japan Times. March 27, 2007.
  4. ^ Roberts, Jeremy, 1956- (2010). Japanese mythology A to Z (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Chelsea House Publishers. ISBN 9781438128023. OCLC 540954273.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Kōgō" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 543, p. 543, at Google Books.
  6. ^ Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial Family, p. 318.
  7. ^ Nussbaum, "Chūgū" at p. 127, p. 127, at Google Books.
  8. ^ Ponsonby-Fane, pp. 300–302.
  9. ^ a b Anston, W.G. (1896). Transactions and Proceedings of The Japan Society, London. Supplement I. Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. Vol. 1. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trüber, & Co., Limited. p. 132.
  10. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 140 (Vol. 1)
  11. ^ a b c Anston, p. 141 (Vol. 1)
  12. ^ Anston, p. 142 (Vol. 1)
  13. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 143 (Vol. 1)
  14. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 144 (Vol. 1)
  15. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 145 (Vol. 1)
  16. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 146 (Vol. 1)
  17. ^ a b c Anston, p. 147 (Vol. 1)
  18. ^ Anston, p. 148 (Vol. 1)
  19. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 149 (Vol. 1)
  20. ^ a b c d Anston, p. 150 (Vol. 1)
  21. ^ a b c Anston, p. 165 (Vol. 1)
  22. ^ Anston, p. 166 (Vol. 1)
  23. ^ a b c Anston, pp. 170–173 (Vol. 1)
  24. ^ Anston, p. 174 (Vol. 1)
  25. ^ a b Anston, p. 180 (Vol. 1)
  26. ^ Anston, p. 188 (Vol. 1)
  27. ^ a b c Anston, p. 212 (Vol. 1)
  28. ^ a b c Anston, p. 214 (Vol. 1)
  29. ^ Anston, p. 218 (Vol. 1)
  30. ^ a b c Anston, p. 241 (Vol. 1)
  31. ^ Anston, p. 255 (Vol. 1)
  32. ^ a b c Anston, p. 277 (Vol. 1)
  33. ^ Anston, p. 278 (Vol. 1)
  34. ^ a b c Anston, p. 289 (Vol. 1)
  35. ^ Anston, p. 308 (Vol. 1)
  36. ^ Anston, p. 314 (Vol. 1)
  37. ^ a b c Anston, pp. 325–329 (Vol. 1)
  38. ^ a b Anston, p. 331 (Vol. 1)
  39. ^ Anston, p. 337 (Vol. 1)
  40. ^ Anston, pp. 385–386
  41. ^ a b c Anston, p. 395 (Vol. 1)
  42. ^ Anston, p. 394 (Vol. 1)
  43. ^ Anston, p. 404 (Vol. 1)
  44. ^ Anston, W.G. (1896). Transactions and Proceedings of The Japan Society, London. Supplement I. Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. Vol. 2. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trüber, & Co., Limited. p. 4.
  45. ^ Anston, p. 26 (Vol. 2)
  46. ^ Anston, p. 9 (Vol. 2)
  47. ^ Anston, p. 33 (Vol. 2)
  48. ^ a b c Anston, pp. 35–38
  49. ^ Anston, p. 38 (Vol. 2)
  50. ^ a b Anston, p. 91 (Vol. 2)
  51. ^ Anston, p. 94 (Vol. 2)
  52. ^ a b Anston, p. 95 (Vol. 2)
  53. ^ Anston, p. 107 (Vol. 2)
  54. ^ Anston, p. 164 (Vol. 2)
  55. ^ Anston, p. 287 (Vol. 2)
  56. ^ Anston, p. 321 (Vol. 2)
  57. ^ Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1915). The Imperial Family of Japan, p. x.
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