Iitoyo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Iitoyo飯豊青皇女 |
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| Josei Tennō | |||||
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| Reign | 484 | ||||
| Born | 440 | ||||
| Died | 484 | ||||
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| Father | Emperor Richū or Ichinobe no Oshiwa | ||||
Princess Iitoyo (飯豊青皇女 Iitoyo-ao no Himemiko, 440-484) was an important Japanese imperial princess. Some historical records suggest she might have been an empress who ruled Japan herself.
According to old legends, she ruled for a short time between the reigns of Emperor Seinei and Emperor Kenzō. She is even called "Empress Iitoyo" (飯豊天皇 Iitoyo-tennō) in historical books like the Fusō Ryakuki (from the 12th century) and the Honchō Kōin Jōun-roku (from the 15th century).
Contents
Family Connections
Princess Iitoyo was related to several emperors. She was connected to the 17th Emperor Richū (who ruled from 400–405). The exact way she was related is shown differently in two very old Japanese history books from the 8th century.
The Kojiki Version
The Kojiki, written in 712, says that Iitoyo was the younger sister of Prince Ichinobe no Oshiwa. This means she was the daughter of Emperor Richū. It also means she was the aunt of Princes Ōke and Oke, who later became Emperor Kenzō and Emperor Ninken.
The Nihon Shoki Version
The Nihon Shoki, written in 720, tells a slightly different story. It says Iitoyo was the daughter of Prince Ichinobe no Oshiwa and his wife, Hayehime. This would make her the sister of Princes Ōke and Oke. In this version, she would be a granddaughter of Emperor Richū, just like her brothers.
A Time of Change
After the 20th Emperor Ankō died (around 453–456), his brother, Emperor Yūryaku (who ruled around 456–479), became emperor. Emperor Yūryaku was known for removing anyone who might challenge his rule. He even murdered his cousin, Prince Ichinobe no Oshiwa. Prince Oshiwa was the oldest son of Emperor Richū and was supposed to be the next emperor.
After their father was murdered, Prince Oshiwa's sons, Ōke and Oke, had to hide in the countryside. During this time, the old records don't say much about Princess Iitoyo.
Taking the Reins
Princess Iitoyo first appears in the stories about the 22nd Emperor Seinei (who ruled around 479–484). Emperor Seinei was the son of Emperor Yūryaku. He had no children and no close family members left. Since Princes Ōke and Oke were still in hiding, people needed to find a new leader from the imperial family.
The Kojiki's Account
According to the Kojiki, the search for an heir led to Princess Iitoyo. She was found at the Tsunusashi Palace in Oshinumi. It seems she took over as a regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the official ruler is too young, absent, or unable to rule.
Later, a governor named Wodate found Princes Ōke and Oke. He sent a message to the capital. Princess Iitoyo then ordered her nephews to be brought to her palace. It is believed she then handed the rule over to Prince Ōke.
The Nihon Shoki's Account
The Nihon Shoki tells this part a bit differently. It says the princes were found before Emperor Seinei died. So, Emperor Seinei himself made the older Prince Ōke his crown prince.
After Emperor Seinei died, the princes Ōke and Oke couldn't agree on who should become emperor. Each wanted the other to take the throne. Because of this, there was a period without a clear ruler, called an interregnum. During this time, Princess Iitoyo stepped in and took charge. She ruled the country from the Tsunuzashi Palace. She even gave herself the title Oshinomi no Ihitoyo no Awo no Mikoto.
Princess Iitoyo ruled for about eleven months. She died in the winter of that same year (484 CE). She was buried in a special burial site called a misasagi on Mount Haniguchi.
Images for kids
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The tomb of Princess Iitoyo on Mount Haniguchi.
