Empress of Japan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Empress of Japan
皇后
Imperial
Imperial Standard of the Empress
Incumbent
Masako since 1 May 2019
Details
Style	Her Majesty
Residence	Tokyo Imperial Palace (official residence)
Website	The Imperial Household Agency

The Empress of Japan is a special title. It is given to the wife of the Emperor of Japan. Sometimes, it is also given to a woman who rules Japan herself. In Japanese, the empress who is married to the Emperor is called Kōgō (皇后).

The current Empress is Empress Masako. She became Empress on May 1, 2019, when her husband became Emperor. If a woman is born into the Imperial family and becomes a ruler, she is called a tennō. This is the same title as a male Emperor. People might also call her a josei tennō (女性天皇, heavenly empress regnant) or jotei (女帝, empress regnant). Josei tennō is only for Japanese empresses who rule. Jotei can be for any empress who rules a country.

Empresses Who Ruled Japan

Empress Jitō (645–703) by Katsukawa Shunsho, an 18th-century artist.

Japan has had several empresses who ruled the country. These women were not just wives of emperors. They held the highest power themselves. There were eight such empresses in Japan's long history. Six of them ruled once, and two ruled twice. These reigns happened between the years 593 and 770. Two more empresses ruled much later, during the Edo period.

Even though these women ruled, their successors were almost always male. This means that after a female empress, a man from the Imperial family usually took the throne. In 1889, a new rule called the Imperial Household Law was made. This law officially stopped women from ruling Japan.

Who Were Japan's Ruling Empresses?

Here are the eight empresses who ruled Japan:

• Empress Suiko (593–628): Her real name was Nukatabe. She was the first woman in Japan's history to rule as Empress. She was the 33rd ruler of Japan.
• Empress Kōgyoku (642–645) and Empress Saimei (655–661): Her real name was Takara. She ruled twice! First as Empress Kōgyoku, then later as Empress Saimei. She was the 35th and 37th ruler.
• Empress Jitō (686–697): Her real name was Unonosasara. She was the 41st ruler of Japan. She later gave up her throne to her grandson.
• Empress Genmei (707–715): Her real name was Ahe. She was the 43rd ruler. She was Empress Jitō's younger half-sister.
• Empress Genshō (715–724): Her real name was Hitaka. She was the 44th ruler of Japan. She took the throne after her mother, Empress Genmei. She later gave it to her nephew.
• Empress Kōken (749–758) and Empress Shōtoku (764–770): Her real name was Abe. She also ruled twice! She was the 46th and 48th ruler. She never married.
• Empress Meishō (1629–1643): Her real name was Okiko. She was the 109th ruler of Japan. She became Empress after her father gave up the throne.
• Empress Go-Sakuramachi (1762–1771): Her real name was Toshiko. She was the 117th ruler of Japan. She gave up her throne to her young nephew. She lived for over 40 more years. During this time, she helped guide the emperors who came after her.

Other Possible Female Rulers

Besides these eight, there are two other women who some believe ruled Japan. However, there isn't enough clear historical proof for their reigns. So, they are not officially counted as empresses who ruled:

• Empress Jingū (ruled 206–269): She was the wife of Emperor Chūai. She is traditionally thought to have ruled as a regent for her son.
• Iitoyo (possible empress regnant): She was an Imperial princess. Some records suggest she might have ruled, but it's not certain.

The Japanese religion of Shinto worships the sun goddess Amaterasu. She is the most important goddess in the kami system. This might suggest that some of Japan's earliest rulers were women. Japanese emperors are believed to be direct descendants of Amaterasu.

Empresses Who Were Wives of Emperors

Empress consort Kishi (around 1303–1333) and Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339) from an old scroll.

In ancient Japan, most empresses who were wives of emperors were princesses. This means they were born into the Imperial family. One exception was Princess Iwa, who was the wife of Emperor Nintoku.

After Empress Kōmyō (wife of Emperor Shōmu), women from other powerful families, like the Fujiwara clan, could also become empresses.

There were different titles for empresses who were wives of emperors:

• Kōgō (皇后): This is the main title for an empress consort. It is usually given to the Emperor's wife who has given birth to the child who will become the next Emperor. This title is still used today.
• Chūgū (中宮): This term changed over time. At first, it referred to the palace where the empress lived. Later, it became another title for the empress. For a while, Chūgū was used instead of Kōgō. Eventually, the two titles could be used for the same person. Sometimes, an emperor might even have two empresses at once, one called Kōgō and the other Chūgū.
• Kōtaigō (皇太后): This title was given to the wife of a former emperor. She is like an Empress Mother or Empress Dowager.
• Tai-Kōtaigō (太皇太后): This title was used for a Grand Empress Mother or Grand Empress Dowager. This was for the wife of an even earlier emperor.

List of Empresses Consort

This table lists many of the empresses who were wives of emperors. It shows their names, who they were married to, and important details about their lives.

Portrait	Name	Spouse	Tenure	Life details
	Himetataraisuzu-hime 媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛	Emperor Jimmu	660–581 BC (81 years)	Daughter of Kotoshironushi. Married in 681 BC. She had Emperor Suizei and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 581 BC.
	Isuzuyori-hime 五十鈴依媛命	Emperor Suizei	580–548 BC (32 years)	Daughter of Kotoshironushi. She was the younger sister of Himetataraisuzu-hime. She had Emperor Annei. She became Empress Dowager in 548 BC.
	Nunasokonakatsu-hime 渟名底仲媛命	Emperor Annei	546–510 BC (36 years)	Daughter of Prince Kamo. She had Emperor Itoku and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 510 BC.
	Amatoyotsu-hime 天豊津媛命	Emperor Itoku	509–475 BC (34 years)	Daughter of Prince Okimi. She had Emperor Kōshō and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 475 BC.
	Yosotarashi-hime 世襲足媛	Emperor Kōshō	447–392 BC (55 years)	Daughter of Ame no Oshio no Mikoto. She had Emperor Kōan and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 392 BC.
	Oshi-hime 押媛	Emperor Kōan	367–290 BC (77 years)	Daughter of Prince Amatarashikunioshihito. She was Emperor Kōan's niece. She had Emperor Kōrei and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 290 BC.
	Kuwashi-hime 細媛命	Emperor Kōrei	289–214 BC (74 years)	Daughter of Shiki no Agatanushi Oome. She had Emperor Kōgen. She became Empress Dowager in 214 BC.
	Utsushikome 欝色謎命	Emperor Kōgen	208–157 BC (50 years)	Daughter of Oyakuchisukune. She had Emperor Kaika and three other children. She became Empress Dowager in 157 BC.
	Ikagashikome 伊香色謎命	Emperor Kaika	152–97 BC (75 years)	Daughter of Ōhesoki. She had Emperor Sujin and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 97 BC.
	Mimaki-hime 御間城姫	Emperor Sujin	97–29 BC (68 years)	Daughter of Prince Ōhiko. She was Emperor Sujin's cousin. She had Emperor Suinin and five other children. She became Empress Dowager in 29 BC.
	Saho-hime 狭穂姫命	Emperor Suinin	28–25 BC (3 years)	died 25 BC Daughter of Prince Hikoimasu. She died during a rebellion.
	Hibasu-hime 日葉酢媛命		15 BC–AD 3 (18 years)	died AD 3 Daughter of Prince Tanba-no-Michinoushi. She had Emperor Keikō and four other children.
	Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume 播磨稲日大郎姫	Emperor Keikō	72–122 (40 years)	died 122 Daughter of Prince Wakatakehiko. She had three children, including Yamato Takeru.
	Yasakairi-hime 八坂入媛命		122–132 (10 years)	Daughter of Prince Yasakairihiko. She had Emperor Seimu and 11 other children. She became Empress Dowager in 132.
	Okinagatarashi-hime 気長足姫尊	193–201 (8 years)	169–269 (100 years) Daughter of Okinaganosukune. She had Emperor Ōjin. She was his regent from 201 to 269. She became Empress Dowager in 201.
	Nakatsu-hime 仲姫命	Emperor Ōjin	271–313 (41 years)	Daughter of Homudamawaka. She had Emperor Nintoku and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 313.
	Princess Iwa 磐之媛命	Emperor Nintoku	314–347 (33 years)	died 347 Daughter of Katsuragi no Sotsuhiko. She was a poet. She had Emperor Richū, Emperor Hanzei, Emperor Ingyō and one other child.
	Princess Yata 八田皇女		appointed 350	Daughter of Emperor Ōjin. She was Emperor Nintoku's half-sister.
	Princess Kusakanohatabino-hime 草香幡梭皇女	Emperor Richū	appointed 405	Daughter of Emperor Ōjin. She was Emperor Richū's aunt. She had Nakashi.
	Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime 忍坂大中姫	Emperor Ingyō	413–453 (40 years)	Daughter of Prince Wakanuke no Futamata. She had Emperor Ankō, Emperor Yūryaku and seven other children. She became Empress Dowager in 453.
	Princess Nakashi 中磯皇女	Emperor Ankō	appointed 455	Daughter of Emperor Richū. She was previously married to Prince Ōkusaka.
	Kusaka no Hatabi no hime 草香幡梭姫皇女	Emperor Yūryaku	appointed 457	Daughter of Emperor Nintoku.
	Princess Naniwa no Ono 難波小野王	Emperor Kenzō	485–489 (4 years)	died 489 Daughter of Prince Oka-no-Wakugo. She took her own life.
	Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume 春日大娘皇女	Emperor Ninken	appointed 488	Daughter of Emperor Yuryaku. She had Emperor Buretsu and six other children.
	Kasuga no Iratsume 春日娘子	Emperor Buretsu	appointed 499	Her parents are not known.
	Princess Tashiraka 手白香皇女	Emperor Keitai	appointed 507	born 489 Daughter of Emperor Ninken. She had one child.
	Princess Kasuga no Yamada 春日山田皇女	Emperor Ankan	appointed 534	Daughter of Emperor Ninken. Married in 513.
	Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu 橘仲皇女	Emperor Senka	536–539 (3 years)	Daughter of Emperor Ninken. She had five children. She became Empress Dowager in 539.
	Princess Ishi-hime 石姫皇女	Emperor Kinmei	540–572 (32 years)	Daughter of Emperor Senka. She had Emperor Bidatsu and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 572.
	Hirohime 広姫	Emperor Bidatsu	575 (10 months)	died 575 Daughter of Prince Okinaga-no-Mate. She had three children.
	Princess Nukatabe 額田部皇女		576–585 (9 years)	554–628 (74 years) Daughter of Emperor Kinmei. She had eight children. She later became Empress Regnant in 592.
	Princess Hashihito no Anahobe 穴穂部間人皇女	Emperor Yōmei	586–587 (1 year)	560–621 (61 years) Daughter of Emperor Kinmei. She married in 564. She had Prince Shōtoku and three other children.
	Princess Takara 宝皇女	Emperor Jomei	630–641 (11 years)	594–661 (67 years) Daughter of Prince Chinu. She had Emperor Tenji, Emperor Kōtoku and one other child. She later became Empress Regnant from 642 to 645 and from 655 to 661.
	Princess Hashihito 間人皇女	Emperor Kōtoku	appointed 645	died 665 Daughter of Emperor Jomei and Princess Takara. She was Emperor Tenji's and Emperor Tenmu's half-sister.
	Yamato Hime no Ōkimi 倭姫王	Emperor Tenji	appointed 668	Daughter of Prince Furuhito no Ōe. She was a poet. She had Emperor Tenmu.
	Princess Unonosarara 鸕野讃良皇女	Emperor Tenmu	673–686 (13 years)	645–703 (57–58 years) Daughter of Emperor Tenji. She had one child. She later became Empress Regnant from 686 to 697.
	Fujiwara Asukabehime 藤原安宿媛	Emperor Shōmu	729–749 (9 years)	701–760 (58–59 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. She had Empress Kōken and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 749.
	Princess Inoe 井上内親王	Emperor Kōnin	770–772 (2 years)	717–775 (57–58 years) Daughter of Emperor Shōmu. She was accused of using black magic and removed from her position.
	Fujiwara no Otomuro 藤原乙牟漏	Emperor Kanmu	783–790 (6 years)	760–790 (29–30 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu. She had Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Princess Koshi. She was made Empress Dowager after her death in 806.
	Fujiwara no Tarashiko 藤原帯子	Emperor Heizei	posthumously appointed in 806	died 794 Daughter of Fujiwara no Momokawa.
	Tachibana no Kachiko 橘嘉智子	Emperor Saga	815–823 (7 years)	786–850 (63–64 years) Daughter of Tachibana no Kiyotomo. She married in 809. She had Emperor Ninmyō and five other children. She became Empress Dowager in 823. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 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. She had 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. She had three children. She became Empress Dowager in 833. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 854.
	Fujiwara no Onshi 藤原穏子	Emperor Daigo	923–931 (7 years)	885–954 (68–69 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Mototsune. She had Emperor Suzaku, Emperor Murakami and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 931. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 946.
	Fujiwara no Anshi 藤原安子	Emperor Murakami	958–964 (5 years)	927–964 (68–69 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Morosuke. She had 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. She adopted one child. She became Empress Dowager in 973. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 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. She became Empress Dowager in 1000. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1012.
	Fujiwara no Teishi 藤原定子	Emperor Ichijō	990–1001 (10 years)	977–1001 (23–24 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka. She had three children.
	Fujiwara no Shōshi 藤原彰子		1000–1012 (12 years)	988–1074 (86 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. She had Emperor Go-Ichijō and Emperor Go-Suzaku. She became Empress Dowager in 1012. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1018.
	Fujiwara no Seishi 藤原娍子	Emperor Sanjō	1012–1016 (4 years)	972–1025 (52–53 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Naritoki. She had six children.
	Fujiwara no Kenshi 藤原妍子		1012–1018 (6 years)	994–1027 (32–33 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. She had Princess Teishi. She became Empress Dowager in 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. She had Princess Shōshi 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. She had Emperor Go-Sanjō and two other children. She became Empress Dowager in 1051. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1068.
	Fujiwara no Genshi 藤原嫄子		1037–1039 (2 years)	1016–1039 (23 years) Daughter of Prince Atsuyasu. She had 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. She became Empress Dowager in 1068. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1069.
	Fujiwara no Hiroko 藤原寛子		1051–1069 (18 years)	1036–1127 (90–91 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi. She became Empress Dowager in 1069. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1074.
	Fujiwara no Kanshi 藤原歓子		1068–1074 (6 years)	1021–1102 (80–81 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Norimichi. She had one child. She became Empress Dowager in 1074.
	Princess Kaoruko 馨子内親王	Emperor Go-Sanjō	1069–1093 (24 years)	1029–1093 (63–64 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Ichijō. She married in 1051.
	Fujiwara no Kenshi 藤原賢子	Emperor Shirakawa	1074–1084 (10 years)	1057–1084 (26–27 years) Daughter of Minamoto Akifusa. She had Emperor Horikawa and four other children.
	Princess Teishi 媞子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Horikawa	1091–1093 (2 years)	1076–1096 (19–20 years) Daughter of Emperor Shirakawa. She was Emperor Horikawa's sister.
	Princess Tokushi 篤子内親王	Emperor Horikawa	1093–1107 (14 years)	1060–1114 (53–54 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Sanjō. She was Emperor Horikawa's aunt.
	Princess Reishi 令子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Toba	1108–1134 (26 years)	1078–1144 (65–66 years) Daughter of Emperor Shirakawa. She was Emperor Toba's aunt.
	Fujiwara no Tamako 藤原璋子	Emperor Toba	1118–1124 (6 years)	1101–1145 (43–44 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Kinzane. She had Emperor Sutoku, Emperor Go-Shirakawa 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. She became Empress Dowager in 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. She had Emperor Konoe 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. She became Empress Dowager in 1156. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1158. She was also the consort of Emperor Nijō.
	Fujiwara no Teishi 藤原泰子	Emperor Konoe	1150–1158 (7 years)	1131–1176 (44–45 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Koremichi.
	Fujiwara no Kinshi 藤原忻子	Emperor Go-Shirakawa	1156–1172 (7 years)	1134–1209 (74–75 years) Daughter of Tokudaiji Kinyoshi. She became Empress Dowager in 1172.
	Princess Muneko 統子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Go-Shirakawa	1158–1159 (11 months)	1126–1189 (62 years) Daughter of Emperor Toba. She was Emperor Go-Shirakawa's sister.
	Princess Yoshiko 姝子内親王	Emperor Nijō	1159–1162 (2 years)	1141–1176 (34 years) Daughter of Emperor Toba. She was Emperor Nijō's aunt.
	Fujiwara no Ikushi 藤原育子		1162–1173 (11 years)	1146–1173 (26–27 years) Daughter of Tokudaiji Saneyoshi.
	Taira no Tokuko 平徳子	Emperor Takakura	1172–1182 (9 years)	1155–1214 (58–59 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. She had Emperor Antoku.
	Princess Sukeko 亮子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Antoku (until 1183) Honorary Mother of Emperor Go-Toba (from 1183)	1182–1187 (4 years)	1147–1216 (68–69 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. She was Emperor Antoku's and Emperor Go-Toba's aunt.
	Fujiwara no Ninshi 藤原任子	Emperor Go-Toba	1190–1200 (10 years)	1147–1216 (68–69 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Kanezane. She had Princess Shōshi.
	Princess Noriko 範子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Tsuchimikado	1198–1206 (8 years)	1177–1210 (32 years) Daughter of Emperor Takakura. She was Emperor Tsuchimikado's aunt.
	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 Mother of Prince Morinari	1208–1209 (8 months)	1195–1211 (16 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Toba. She was Emperor Juntoku's sister.
	Fujiwara no Ritsushi 九条立子	Emperor Juntoku	1211–1222 (11 years)	1192–1248 (55–56 years) Daughter of Kujō Yoshitsune. She had Emperor Chūkyō and one other child.
	Princess Kuniko 邦子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Go-Horikawa	1222–1224 (2 years)	1209–1283 (73–74 years) Daughter of Prince Morisada. She was Emperor Go-Horikawa's sister.
	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. She had Emperor Shijō and one other child.
	Princess Rishi 利子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Shijō	1233–1239 (6 years)	1197–1251 (53–54 years) Daughter of Prince Morisada. She was Emperor Shijō's aunt.
	Fujiwara no Kisshi 藤原姞子	Emperor Go-Saga	1242–1248 (6 years)	1225–1292 (66–67 years) Daughter of Saionji Saneuji. She had Emperor Go-Fukakusa, Emperor Kameyama and three other children.
	Princess Teruko 曦子内親王	Honorary Mother of Emperor Go-Saga	1248–1251 (2 years)	1224–1262 (37–38 years) Daughter of Emperor Tsuchimikado. She was Emperor Go-Saga's aunt.
	Fujiwara no Kimiko 藤原公子	Emperor Go-Fukakusa	1257–1260 (2 years)	1232–1304 (71–72 years) Daughter of Saionji Saneuji. She had Princess Reishi 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. She had 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. She was Emperor Go-Uda's cousin.
	Saionji Shōshi 西園寺鏱子	Emperor Fushimi	1288–1298 (9 years)	1271–1342 (70–71 years) Daughter of Saionji Sanekane. She was a poet. She 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. She was Emperor Go-Daigo's half-sister.
	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. She was a poet. She married in 1314. She had Princess Kanshi and one other child. She became Empress Dowager in 1333.
	Princess Junshi 珣子内親王		1334–1337 (3 years)	1311–1337 (25–26 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Fushimi. She had one child.
	Daughter of Saionji Kinshige	Emperor Chōkei	appointed as early as 1371	Her name is unknown. She had one child.
	Tokugawa Masako 徳川和子	Emperor Go-Mizunoo	1624–1629 (5 years)	1607–1678 (70 years) Daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada. She had Empress Meishō and six other children. She 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. She had one child.
	Princess Yukiko 幸子女王	Emperor Higashiyama	1708–1710 (2 years)	1680–1720 (39 years) Daughter of Prince Arisugawa Yukihito. She had one child.
	Princess Yoshiko 欣子内親王	Emperor Kōkaku	1794–1820 (26 years)	1779–1846 (67 years) Daughter of Emperor Go-Momozono. She was Emperor Kōkaku's adoptive sister. She had two children. She adopted Emperor Ninkō. She became Empress Dowager in 1820.
	Takatsukasa Tsunako 鷹司繋子	Emperor Ninkō	posthumously appointed in 1824	1798–1823 (24–25 years) Daughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. She married in 1817. She had 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. She married on January 11, 1869. She adopted Emperor Taishō. She became Empress Dowager in 1912.
	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. She married on May 10, 1900. She had Emperor Shōwa and three other children. She became Empress Dowager in 1926.
	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. She married on January 26, 1924. She had Akihito and six other children. She became Empress Dowager in 1989.
	Shōda Michiko 正田美智子	Akihito	7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 (30 years, 113 days)	born 20 October 1934 (90 years, 234 days) Daughter of Hidesaburō Shōda. She married on April 10, 1959. She had Naruhito and two other children. She is now called Jōkōgō (Empress Emerita) after Akihito gave up the throne.
	Owada Masako 小和田雅子	Naruhito	1 May 2019 – present (6 years, 41 days)	born 9 December 1963 (61 years, 184 days) Daughter of Hisashi Owada. She married on June 9, 1993. She has one child.

Empresses Dowager

An Empress Dowager is the wife of a former Emperor.

Portrait	Name	Reign	Life details
	Himetataraisuzu-hime 媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛	appointed in 581 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Jimmu from 660 BC until 581 BC.
	Isuzuyori-hime 五十鈴依媛命	appointed in 548 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Suizei from 580 BC until 548 BC.
	Nunasokonakatsu-hime 渟名底仲媛命	appointed in 510 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Annei from 546 BC until 510 BC.
	Amatoyotsu-hime 天豊津媛命	appointed in 475 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Itoku from 509 BC until 475 BC.
	Yosotarashi-hime 世襲足媛	appointed in 392 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kōshō from 447 BC until 392 BC.
	Oshi-hime 押媛	appointed in 290 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kōan from 367 BC until 290 BC.
	Kuwashi-hime 細媛命	appointed in 214 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kōrei from 289 BC until 214 BC.
	Utsushikome 欝色謎命	appointed in 157 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kōgen from 208 BC until 157 BC.
	Ikagashikome 伊香色謎命	appointed in 97 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kaika from 152 BC until 97 BC.
	Mimaki-hime 御間城姫	appointed in 29 BC	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Sujin from 97 BC until 29 BC.
	Yasakairi-hime 八坂入媛命	appointed in 132	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Keikō from 122 until 132.
	Futajiiri-hime 両道入姫命	appointed in 192	Daughter of Emperor Suinin. She was the wife of Yamato Takeru. She had Emperor Chūai and three other children.
	Okinagatarashi-hime 気長足姫尊	201–269 (68 years)	169–269 (100 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Chūai from 193 until 201. She was the Regent of Emperor Ōjin from 201 until 269.
	Nakatsu-hime 仲姫命	appointed in 313	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Ōjin from 271 until 313.
	Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime 忍坂大中姫	appointed in 453	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Ingyō from 413 until 453.
	Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu 橘仲皇女	appointed in 539	She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Senka from 536 until 539.
	Princess Ishi-hime 石姫皇女	appointed in 572	She was the 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) She was the 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. She was the wife of Prince Shiki. She had Emperor Kōnin and one other child.
	Takano no Niigasa 石姫皇女	790–806 (16 years, posthumous)	ca. 720–790 (70 years) She was a concubine of Emperor Kōnin. She had Emperor Kanmu and two other children. She was made Grand Empress Dowager after her death in 806.
	Fujiwara no Otomuro 藤原乙牟漏	posthumously appointed in 806	760–790 (29–30 years) She was the 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. She was the consort of Emperor Kanmu from 785 until 788. She had Emperor Junna.
	Tachibana no Kachiko 橘嘉智子	823–833 (9 years)	786–850 (63–64 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Saga from 815 until 823. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 833.
	Princess Seishi 正子内親王	833–854 (21 years)	810–879 (68–69 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Junna from 827 until 833. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 854.
	Fujiwara no Junshi 藤原順子	854–864 (9 years)	809–871 (61–62 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. She was the consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 850. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 864.
	Fujiwara no Akirakeiko 藤原明子	864–882 (17 years)	829–900 (70–71 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. She was the consort of Emperor Montoku from 850 to 858. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 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. She was the consort of Emperor Seiwa from 866 to 877. Her title was removed in 896 but given back after her death in 943.
	Fujiwara no Sawako 藤原沢子	posthumously appointed in 884	died 839 Daughter of Fujiwara no Fusatsugu. She was the consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 839. She had Emperor Kōkō and three other children.
	Fujiwara no Inshi 藤原胤子	posthumously appointed in 897	died 896 Daughter of Fujiwara no Takafuji. She was the consort of Emperor Uda from 892 until 896. She had 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. She was the consort of Emperor Kōkō from 884 until 887. She had Emperor Uda and seven other children.
	Fujiwara no Onshi 藤原穏子	931–946 (14 years)	885–954 (68–69 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Daigo from 923 until 931. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 946.
	Fujiwara no Anshi 藤原安子	968–969 (1 year, posthumous)	927–964 (68–69 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Murakami from 958 until 964. She was made Grand Empress Dowager after her death in 969.
	Princess Masako 昌子内親王	973–986 (13 years)	950–1000 (49–50 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 973. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 986.
	Fujiwara no Chikako 藤原懐子	posthumously appointed in 985	945–975 (29–30 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Koretada. She was the consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 975. She had 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. She was the consort of Emperor En'yū from 978 until 986.
	Fujiwara no Junshi 藤原遵子	1000–1012 (11 years)	957–1017 (59–60 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor En'yū from 982 until 997. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1012.
	Fujiwara no Tōko 藤原超子	posthumously appointed in 1011	954–982 (27–28 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie. She was the consort of Emperor Reizei from 968 until 982. She had Emperor Sanjō and three other children.
	Fujiwara no Shōshi 藤原彰子	1012–1018 (5 years)	988–1074 (86 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Ichijō from 1000 until 1012. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1018.
	Fujiwara no Kenshi 藤原妍子	1018–1027 (8 years)	994–1027 (32–33 years) She was the 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. She was the wife of Prince Atsunaga (later Emperor Go-Suzaku). She had Emperor Go-Reizei. She died before Emperor Go-Suzaku became emperor.
	Princess Teishi 禎子内親王	1051–1068 (17 years)	1013–1094 (80 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku from 1037 until 1051. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1068.
	Princess Shōshi 章子内親王	1068–1069 (1 year)	1027–1105 (77–78 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1046 until 1068. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1069.
	Fujiwara no Hiroko 藤原寛子	1069–1074 (4 years)	1036–1127 (90–91 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1051 until 1069. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1074.
	Fujiwara no Shigeko 藤原茂子	posthumously appointed in 1073	died 1062 Daughter of Fujiwara Kinnari. She was the wife of Prince Takahito (later Emperor Go-Sanjō) from 1046 until 1062. She had Emperor Shirakawa and three other children. She died before Emperor Go-Sanjō became emperor.
	Fujiwara no Kanshi 藤原歓子	1074–1102 (28 years)	1021–1102 (80–81 years) She was the 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) She was the 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. She was the consort of Emperor Horikawa from 1098 until 1103. She had Emperor Toba.
	Fujiwara no Kiyoko 藤原聖子	1142–1150 (8 years)	1122–1182 (59–60 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Sutoku from 1130 until 1142.
	Fujiwara no Tashi 藤原多子	1156–1158 (1 year)	1140–1202 (61–62 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1156. She became Grand Empress Dowager in 1158.
	Minamoto no Yoshiko 源懿子	posthumously appointed in 1159	1116–1143 (27–28 years) Daughter of Fujiwara no Tsunizage. She was the wife of Prince Masahito (later Emperor Go-Shirakawa). She had Emperor Nijō. She died before Emperor Go-Shirakawa became emperor.
	Fujiwara no Teishi 藤原泰子	1158–1168 (10 years)	1131–1176 (44–45 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1158.
	Taira no Shigeko 平滋子	1168–1169 (1 year)	1142–1176 (44–45 years) Daughter of Taira no Tokinobu. She was the consort of Emperor Go-Shirakawa after he gave up the throne. She had Emperor Takakura.
	Fujiwara no Kinshi 藤原忻子	1172–1209 (37 years)	1134–1209 (74–75 years) She was the 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. She was a lady-in-waiting for Emperor Tsuchimikado. She had 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) She was the 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. She was the consort of Emperor Go-Daigo from 1335 until 1339.
	Niwata Asako 庭田朝子	posthumously appointed in 1504	1437–1492 (54–55 years) Daughter of Niwata Shigekata. She was a lady-in-waiting for Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. She had 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. She was the wife of Prince Tomohito (later Emperor Go-Nara). She had Emperor Ōgimachi and one other child. She died before Emperor Go-Nara became emperor.
	Konoe Hisako 近衛尚子	posthumously appointed in 1728	1702–1720 (17 years) Daughter of Konoe Iehiro. She was the consort of Emperor Nakamikado from 1716 until 1720. She had Emperor Sakuramachi.
	Nijō Ieko 近衛尚子	1747–1750 (3 years)	1716–1790 (73 years) Daughter of Nijō Yoshitada. She was the consort of Emperor Sakuramachi from 1736 until 1747. She had Empress Go-Sakuramachi and one other child.
	Ichijō Tomiko 一条富子	1771 (2 months)	1743–1796 (52 years) Daughter of Ichijō Kaneka. She was the consort of Emperor Momozono from 1759 until 1771. She had Emperor Go-Momozono and one other child.
	Konoe Koreko 近衛維子	1781–1783 (2 years)	1760–1783 (23 years) Daughter of Konoe Uchisaki. She was the consort of Emperor Go-Momozono from 1772 until 1781. She had Princess Yoshiko. She adopted Emperor Kōkaku.
	Princess Yoshiko 欣子内親王	1820–1841 (21 years)	1779–1846 (67 years) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Kōkaku from 1794 until 1820.
	Takatsukasa Yasuko 鷹司祺子	1847 (8 months)	1811–1847 (36 years) Daughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. She was the consort of Emperor Ninkō from 1825 until 1847. She had one child.
	Kujō Asako 九条夙子	1868–1897 (28 years)	1835–1897 (62 years) Daughter of Kujō Hisatada. She was the consort of Emperor Kōmei from 1848 until 1868. She had two children. She 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) She was the 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) She was the 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) She was the Empress Consort of Emperor Shōwa from 1926 until 1989.

Grand Empresses Dowager

A Grand Empress Dowager is the wife of an even earlier Emperor, or the mother of an Empress Dowager.

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

Images for kids

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  Imperial Seal of Japan

See also

In Spanish: Emperatrices de Japón para niños

• Emperor of Japan
  • List of emperors of Japan
• Himiko
• Taiyoo
• Imperial House of Japan
• Japanese imperial succession debate
• Dayang Kalangitan
• Kōkyū
• List of Nyoin
• Midaidokoro
• List of female castellans in Japan