Fujiwara no Kenshi (994–1027) facts for kids

Fujiwara no Kenshi (藤原 妍子, 994 – October 16, 1027), also known as Empress Dowager Biwadono (枇杷殿皇太后), was an important empress in ancient Japan. She became the empress consort of Emperor Sanjō.

Early Life and Court Role

Kenshi was the second daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga, a very powerful regent. A regent was someone who helped rule the country when the emperor was too young or unable to govern. Her mother was Minamoto no Rinshi. In 1004, when she was about 10 years old, Kenshi joined the imperial court. She first worked as a lady-in-waiting for her older sister, Empress Shoshi. A lady-in-waiting is a female assistant to a queen or empress. Later, Kenshi became a princess consort to Crown Prince Okasada. He would later become Emperor Sanjō.

Becoming Empress

When Crown Prince Okasada became Emperor Sanjō in 1012, Kenshi was chosen to be his Imperial Consort. In 1013, she officially became the Empress Consort, known as Chūgū. During this time, Kenshi's father, Fujiwara no Michinaga, had introduced a new custom. An emperor could have two empresses: one called Chūgū and another called Kōgō. Emperor Sanjō already had another consort, Fujiwara no Seishi. Michinaga agreed for Seishi to also be given the title of Empress (Kōgō). However, he made sure that Kenshi would have a higher rank and more importance. When the time came for Seishi's ceremony to become Empress, Michinaga made sure almost no one attended. Instead, many courtiers gathered at Empress Kenshi's apartments. This showed everyone that Kenshi was the more important empress. Empress Kenshi was known for her beauty. She was also said to be her father's favorite and quite extravagant.

Family Life

Empress Kenshi did not have any sons. She had one daughter, born in 1013, named Imperial Princess Teishi. Princess Teishi later became an empress herself, just like her mother.

Later Life

Emperor Sanjō retired in 1016 and passed away the next year. Kenshi then became the Empress Dowager. Because she did not have a son who became emperor, she was not as powerful as her sister, Shoshi. On the same day she passed away, Kenshi became a Buddhist nun. This means she joined a religious order.

Children

• Imperial Princess Teishi (1013–1094): She later became Empress to Emperor Go-Suzaku. She was also the mother of Emperor Go-Sanjō.