Empress of Japan

The empress of JapanTemplate:Efn 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

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File:Empress Jito by Katsukawa Shunsho.png

Empress Jitō (645–703) by Katsukawa Shunsho, 18th century

Titles

• Josei Tennō (女性天皇, lit. "female heavenly emperor") or Jotei (Template:Linktext, lit. "female emperor")<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> – 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.Template:Efn
• 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

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.<ref>"Life in the Cloudy Imperial Fishbowl", Japan Times. March 27, 2007.</ref> 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 at a 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:

• Empress Jingū r. 206–269 (empress consort of Emperor Chūai)—not counted among the officially numbered Emperors
• Princess Iitoyo: Imperial princess and possibly empress regnant. She was baptized as Empress Tsunuzashi in the list of emperors of Japan.

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.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> According to the {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} and Nihon Shoki chronicles in Japanese mythology, the Emperors of Japan are considered to be direct descendants of Amaterasu.

Empress consort

File:Empress Kishi and Emperor Go-Daigo.png

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

Titles

• Template:Ill (皇后) – It is the title of a non-reigning empress consort.Template:Efn The title, still in use, is generally conferred on an emperor's wife who had given birth to the heir to the throne.<ref>Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Kōgō" in Template:Google books.</ref> The title was first awarded posthumously in 806 to the late mother of Emperor Heizei.<ref name="ponsonby318">Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial Family, p. 318.</ref> 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
• Template:Ill (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.<ref name="nussbaum127">Nussbaum, "Chūgū" at Template:Google books.</ref> The numbers of Kōgō varied, but there was only one Chūgū at a time.<ref>Ponsonby-Fane, pp. 300–302.</ref> 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 (准母立后) – It means individuals elevated to the rank of empress due to their position as honorary mother of the emperor.Template:Citation needed 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.
• Template:Ill (上皇后) – Empress Emerita
• Template:Ill (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

Portrait	Name	Spouse	Tenure	Life details
File:Empress-Hime-tatara-RA.jpg	Himetataraisuzu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Jimmu	660<ref name=":7">Template:Cite book</ref>–581 BC<ref name=":8" /> (81 years)	Daughter of Kotoshironushi. Married Emperor Jimmu in 681 BC.<ref name=":7" /> Gave birth to Emperor Suizei and two other children. Empress dowager from 581 BC.<ref name=":8" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Isuzuyori-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Suizei	580<ref name=":8">Anston, p. 140 (Vol. 1)</ref>–548 BC<ref name=":16">Anston, p. 141 (Vol. 1)</ref> (32 years)	Daughter of Kotoshironushi. Gave birth to Emperor Annei. Empress dowager from 548 BC.<ref name=":16" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Nunasokonakatsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Annei	546<ref>Anston, p. 142 (Vol. 1)</ref>–510 BC<ref name=":9" /> (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.<ref name=":9" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Amonotoyototsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Itoku	509<ref name=":9">Anston, p. 143 (Vol. 1)</ref>–475 BC<ref name=":10" /> (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.<ref name=":10" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Yosotarashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōshō	447<ref name=":10">Anston, p. 144 (Vol. 1)</ref>–392 BC<ref name=":11" /> (55 years)	Daughter of Ame no Oshio no Mikoto. Gave birth to Emperor Kōan and one other child. Empress dowager from 392 BC.<ref name=":11" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Oshihime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōan	367<ref name=":11">Anston, p. 145 (Vol. 1)</ref>–290 BC<ref name=":12" /> (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.<ref name=":12" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Kuwashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōrei	289<ref name=":12">Anston, p. 146 (Vol. 1)</ref>–214 BC<ref name=":17">Anston, p. 147 (Vol. 1)</ref> (74 years)	Daughter of Shiki no Agatanushi Oome. Gave birth to Emperor Kōgen. Empress dowager from 214 BC.<ref name=":17" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Utsushikome {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōgen	208<ref>Anston, p. 148 (Vol. 1)</ref>–157 BC<ref name=":13" /> (50 years)	Daughter of Oyakuchisukune. Gave birth to Emperor Kaika and three other children. Empress dowager from 157 BC.<ref name=":13" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Ikagashikome {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kaika	152<ref name=":13">Anston, p. 149 (Vol. 1)</ref>–97 BC<ref name=":14" /> (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.<ref name=":14" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Mimaki-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Sujin	97<ref name=":14">Anston, p. 150 (Vol. 1)</ref>–29 BC<ref name=":18">Anston, p. 165 (Vol. 1)</ref> (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.<ref name=":18" />
File:Kamitsukeno Yatsunada attacking Saohime's castle..jpg	Saho-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Suinin	28<ref>Anston, p. 166 (Vol. 1)</ref>–25 BC<ref name=":25">Anston, pp. 170–173 (Vol. 1)</ref> (3 years)	died 25 BC<ref name=":25" /> Template:HrDaughter of Prince Hikoimasu; granddaughter of Emperor Kaika. Gave birth to one child. Died during the rebellion of her older brother, Sahohiko.<ref name=":25" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Hibasu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		15 BC<ref>Anston, p. 174 (Vol. 1)</ref>–AD 3<ref name=":1">Anston, p. 180 (Vol. 1)</ref> (18 years)	died AD 3<ref name=":1" /> Template:HrDaughter of Prince Tanba-no-Michinoushi; great-granddaughter of Emperor Kaika; niece of Saho-hime. Gave birth to Emperor Keikō and four other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Keikō	72<ref>Anston, p. 188 (Vol. 1)</ref>–122<ref name=":2">Anston, p. 212 (Vol. 1)</ref> (40 years)	died 122<ref name=":2" /> Template:HrDaughter of Prince Wakatakehiko; granddaughter of Emperor Kōrei. Gave birth to four children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Yasakairi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		122<ref name=":2" />–132<ref name=":19">Anston, p. 214 (Vol. 1)</ref> (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.<ref name=":19" />
File:Kaiserin Jingū.jpg	Okinagatarashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Chūai	193<ref>Anston, p. 218 (Vol. 1)</ref>–201<ref name=":20">Anston, p. 241 (Vol. 1)</ref> (8 years)	169–269 (100 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.<ref name=":20" />
File:Nakatsuhime Yakushiji.jpg	Nakatsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ōjin	271<ref>Anston, p. 255 (Vol. 1)</ref>–313<ref name=":21">Anston, p. 277 (Vol. 1)</ref> (41 years)	Daughter of Homudamawaka. Gave birth to Emperor Nintoku and two other children. Empress Dowager from 313.<ref name=":21" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Iwa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Nintoku	314<ref>Anston, p. 278 (Vol. 1)</ref>–347<ref name=":3">Anston, p. 289 (Vol. 1)</ref> (33 years)	died 347<ref name=":3" /> Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yata {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		appointed 350<ref name=":3" />	Daughter of Emperor Ōjin.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Kusakanohatabino {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Richū	appointed 405<ref>Anston, p. 308 (Vol. 1)</ref>	Daughter of Emperor Ōjin. Gave birth to Princess Nakashi.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ingyō	413<ref>Anston, p. 314 (Vol. 1)</ref>–453<ref name=":22">Anston, pp. 325–329 (Vol. 1)</ref> (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.<ref name=":22" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Nakashi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ankō	appointed 455<ref name=":15">Anston, p. 331 (Vol. 1)</ref>	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.<ref name=":15" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Kusaka no Hatabi no hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Yūryaku	appointed 457<ref>Anston, p. 337 (Vol. 1)</ref>	Daughter of Emperor Nintoku.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Naniwa no Ono {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kenzō	485<ref>Anston, pp. 385–386</ref>–489<ref name=":4" /> (4 years)	died 489<ref name=":4">Anston, p. 395 (Vol. 1)</ref> Template:HrIn 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.<ref name=":4" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ninken	appointed 488<ref name=":5">Anston, p. 394 (Vol. 1)</ref>	Daughter of Emperor Yuryaku. Gave birth to Emperor Buretsu, Princess Tashiraka, Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu and six other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Kasuga no Iratsume {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Buretsu	appointed 499<ref>Anston, p. 404 (Vol. 1)</ref>	Unknown parents.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Tashiraka {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Keitai	appointed 507<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	born 489 Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Ninken and Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume. Gave birth to one child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Kasuga no Yamada {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ankan	appointed 534<ref>Anston, p. 26 (Vol. 2)</ref>	Daughter of Emperor Ninken. Married Emperor Ankan in 513.<ref>Anston, p. 9 (Vol. 2)</ref>
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Senka	536<ref>Anston, p. 33 (Vol. 2)</ref>–539<ref name=":23">Anston, pp. 35–38</ref> (3 years)	Daughter of Emperor Ninken and Princess Kasuga no Ōiratsume. Gave birth to five children. Empress dowager from 539.<ref name=":23" />
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Ishi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kinmei	540<ref>Anston, p. 38 (Vol. 2)</ref>–572<ref name=":24">Anston, p. 91 (Vol. 2)</ref> (32 years)	Daughter of Emperor Senka and Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu. Gave birth to Emperor Bidatsu and two other children. Empress dowager from 572.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Hirohime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Bidatsu	575<ref>Anston, p. 94 (Vol. 2)</ref><ref name=":6">Anston, p. 95 (Vol. 2)</ref> (10 months)	died 575 Template:HrDaughter of Prince Okinaga-no-Mate; great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Ōjin. Gave birth to three children.
File:Empress Suiko 2.jpg	Princess Nukatabe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		576<ref name=":6" />–585 (9 years)	554–628 (74 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Kinmei. Gave birth to eight children. Empress regnant from 592.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Hashihito no Anahobe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Yōmei	586<ref>Anston, p. 107 (Vol. 2)</ref>–587 (1 year)	560–621 (61 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Kinmei. Married to Emperor Yōmei in 564. Gave birth to four children.
File:Empress Kogyoku-Saimei.jpg	Princess Takara {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Jomei	630<ref>Anston, p. 164 (Vol. 2)</ref>–641 (11 years)	594–661 (67 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Hashihito {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōtoku	appointed 645	died 665 Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Jomei and Princess Takara.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Yamato Hime no Ōkimi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Tenji	appointed 668<ref>Anston, p. 287 (Vol. 2)</ref>	Daughter of Prince Furuhito no Ōe; granddaughter of Emperor Jomei. Poet. Gave birth to Emperor Tenmu.
File:Empress Jitō.jpg	Princess Unonosarara {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Tenmu	673<ref>Anston, p. 321 (Vol. 2)</ref>–686 (13 years)	645–703 (57–58 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Tenji. Gave birth to one child. Empress regnant from 686 until 697.
File:Empress Kōmyō by simomura kanzan.jpg	Fujiwara Asukabehime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Shōmu	729–749 (9 years)	701–760 (58–59 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Gave birth to Empress Kōken and one other child. Empress dowager from 749.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Inoe {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōnin	770–772 (2 years)	717–775 (57–58 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Otomuro {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kanmu	783–790 (6 years)	760–790 (29–30 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu. Gave birth to Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Princess Koshi. Posthumously appointed empress dowager in 806.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Tarashiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Heizei	posthumously appointed in 806	died 794 Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Momokawa. Married Emperor Heizei before his accession to the throne.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Tachibana no Kachiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Saga	815–823 (7 years)	786–850 (63–64 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	Emperor Junna	posthumously appointed in 823	789–809 (19–20 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Kanmu and Fujiwara no Otomuro. Married Emperor Junna in 804. Gave birth to four children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Seishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Junna	827–833 (6 years)	810–879 (68–69 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Saga and Tachibana no Kachiko. Gave birth to three children. Empress dowager from 833 until 854. Grand empress dowager from 854.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Onshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Daigo	923–931 (7 years)	885–954 (68–69 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Anshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Murakami	958–964 (5 years)	927–964 (68–69 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Morosuke. Gave birth to Emperor Reizei, Emperor En'yu and seven other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Reizei	967–973 (5 years)	950–1000 (49–50 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Suzaku. Adopted one child. Empress dowager from 973 until 986. Grand empress dowager from 986.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Koshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor En'yū	973–979 (5 years)	947–979 (31–32 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Kanemichi.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Junshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		982–997 (15 years)	957–1017 (59–60 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Yoritada. Empress dowager from 1000 until 1012. Grand empress dowager from 1012.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Ichijō	990–1001 (10 years)	977–1001 (23–24 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka. Gave birth to three children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1000–1012 (12 years)	988–1074 (86 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Seishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Sanjō	1012–1016 (4 years)	972–1025 (52–53 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Naritoki. Gave birth to six children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kenshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1012–1018 (6 years)	994–1027 (32–33 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Gave birth to Princess Teishi. Empress dowager from 1018.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Ichijō	1018–1036 (18 years)	1000–1036 (36 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Gave birth to Princess Shōshi (1027–1105) and Princess Kaoruko.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Suzaku	1037–1051 (14 years)	1013–1094 (80 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Genshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1037–1039 (2 years)	1016–1039 (23 years) Template:HrDaughter of Prince Atsuyasu; granddaughter of Emperor Ichijō; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Gave birth to two children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Reizei	1046–1068 (22 years)	1027–1105 (77–78 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Ichijō and Fujiwara no Ishi. Empress dowager from 1068 until 1069. Grand empress dowager from 1069.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Hiroko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1051–1069 (18 years)	1036–1127 (90–91 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Empress dowager from 1069 until 1074. Grand empress dowager from 1074.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kanshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1068–1074 (6 years)	1021–1102 (80–81 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Norimichi. Gave birth to one child. Empress dowager from 1074.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Kaoruko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Sanjō	1069–1093<ref>Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1915). The Imperial Family of Japan, p. x.</ref> (24 years)	1029–1093 (63–64 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Ichijō. Married Emperor Go-Sanjō in 1051.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kenshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Shirakawa	1074–1084 (10 years)	1057–1084 (26–27 years) Template:HrDaughter of Minamoto Akifusa; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Morozane. Gave birth to Emperor Horikawa and four other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yasuko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Horikawa	1091–1093 (2 years)	1076–1096 (19–20 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Shirakawa and Fujiwara no Kenshi (1057–1084); sister of Emperor Horikawa.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Tokushi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Horikawa	1093–1107 (14 years)	1060–1114 (53–54 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Sanjō and Princess Kaoruko.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Reishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Toba	1108–1134 (26 years)	1078–1144 (65–66 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Shirakawa and Fujiwara no Kenshi (1057–1084); aunt of Emperor Toba.
File:Taikenmonin.jpg	Fujiwara no Tamako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Toba	1118–1124 (6 years)	1101–1145 (43–44 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kiyoko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Sutoku	1130–1142 (12 years)	1122–1182 (59–60 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Tadamichi. Empress dowager from 1142.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Yasuko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Toba	1134–1139 (5 years)	1095–1156 (60–61 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Tadazane.
File:Bifukumonin.jpg	Fujiwara no Nariko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1142–1149 (7 years)	1117–1160 (42–43 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Nagazane. Gave birth to Emperor Konoe, Princess Yoshiko (1141–1176) and two other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Tashi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Konoe	1150–1156 (6 years)	1140–1202 (61–62 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Konoe	1150–1158 (7 years)	1131–1176 (44–45 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Koremichi; adopted daughter of Fujiwara no Tadamichi.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kinshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Shirakawa	1156–1172 (7 years)	1134–1209 (74–75 years) Template:HrDaughter of Tokudaiji Kinyoshi. Empress dowager from 1172.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Muneko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Shirakawa	1158–1159 (11 months)	1126–1189 (62 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Toba and Fujiwara no Tamako; sister of Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yoshiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Nijō	1159–1162 (2 years)	1141–1176 (34 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Toba and Fujiwara no Nariko.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ikushi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1162–1173 (11 years)	1146–1173 (26–27 years) Template:HrDaughter of Tokudaiji Saneyoshi; foster mother of Emperor Rokujō.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Taira no Tokuko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Takakura	1172–1182 (9 years)	1155–1214 (58–59 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Gave birth to Emperor Antoku.
File:Princess Sukeko.jpg	Princess Sukeko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Antoku (until 1183) Template:HrHonorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Toba (from 1183)	1182–1187 (4 years)	1147–1216 (68–69 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Shirakawa; aunt of Emperor Antoku and Emperor Go-Toba.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ninshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Toba	1190–1200 (10 years)	1173–1239 (65 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Kanezane. Gave birth to Princess Shōshi (1195–1211).
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Noriko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Tsuchimikado	1198–1206 (8 years)	1177–1210 (32 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Takakura; aunt of Emperor Tsuchimikado.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Reishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Tsuchimikado	1205–1210 (4 years)	1185–1243 (57–58 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Yorizane.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Prince Morinari	1208–1209 (8 months)	1195–1211 (16 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Toba and Fujiwara no Ninshi; sister of Prince Morinari (later Emperor Juntoku).
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ritsushi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Juntoku	1211–1222 (11 years)	1192–1248 (55–56 years) Template:HrDaughter of Kujō Yoshitsune. Gave birth to Emperor Chūkyō and one other child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Kuniko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Horikawa	1222–1224 (2 years)	1209–1283 (73–74 years) Template:HrDaughter of Prince Morisada; granddaughter of Emperor Takakura; sister of Emperor Go-Horikawa. Surrogate mother to Emperor Kameyama.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ariko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Horikawa	1223–1227 (3 years)	1207–1286 (78–79 years) Template:HrDaughter of Sanjō Kinfusa.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Chōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1226–1229 (2 years)	1218–1275 (56–57 years) Template:HrDaughter of Konoe Iezane.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Shunshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1230–1233 (3 years)	1218–1275 (56–57 years) Template:HrDaughter of Kujō Michiie. Gave birth to Emperor Shijō and one other child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Rishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Shijō	1233–1239 (6 years)	1197–1251 (53–54 years) Template:HrDaughter of Prince Morisada; granddaughter of Emperor Takakura; aunt of Emperor Shijō.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kisshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Saga	1242–1248 (6 years)	1225–1292 (66–67 years) Template:HrDaughter of Saionji Saneuji. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Fukakusa, Emperor Kameyama and three other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Teruko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary; adoptive mother of Emperor Go-Saga	1248–1251 (2 years)	1224–1262 (37–38 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Tsuchimikado; aunt of Emperor Go-Saga.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kimiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Fukakusa	1257–1260 (2 years)	1232–1304 (71–72 years) Template:HrDaughter of Saionji Saneuji. Gave birth to Princess Reishi (1270–1307) and one other child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Saneko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kameyama	1261–1272 (11 years)	1245–1272 (26–27 years) Template:HrDaughter of Tōin Saneo. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Uda and two other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1261–1269 (7 years)	1252–1318 (65–66 years) Template:HrDaughter of Saionji Kinsuke.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Reishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Uda	1285–1291 (5 years)	1270–1307 (36 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Fukakusa and Fujiwara no Kimiko.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Saionji Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Fushimi	1288–1298 (9 years)	1271–1342 (70–71 years) Template:HrDaughter of Saionji Sanekane. Poet. Adopted Emperor Go-Fushimi.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kinshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Nijō	1303–1308 (4 years)	1283–1352 (68–69 years) Template:HrDaughter of Tokudaiji Kintaka.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Honorary Empress of Emperor Go-Daigo	1319 (6 months)	1286–1348 (62 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Uda; half-sister of Emperor Go-Daigo.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Saionji Kishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Daigo	1319–1333 (14 years)	after 1295 and before 1305–1333 (27–38 years) Template:HrDaughter of Saionji Sanekane. Poet. Married Emperor Go-Daigo in 1314. Gave birth to Princess Kanshi and one other child. Empress dowager from 1333.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Junshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}		1334–1337 (3 years)	1311–1337 (25–26 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Fushimi. Gave birth to one child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Daughter of Saionji Kinshige	Emperor Chōkei	appointed as early as 1371	Name unknown. Gave birth to one child.
File:Tokugawa Masako.jpg	Tokugawa Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Go-Mizunoo	1624–1629 (5 years)	1607–1678 (70 years) Template:HrDaughter of Tokugawa Hidetada. Gave birth to Empress Meishō and six other children. Adopted Emperor Go-Kōmyō and Emperor Go-Sai.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Takatsukasa Fusako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Reigen	1683–1687 (3 years)	1653–1712 (58 years) Template:HrDaughter of Takatsukasa Norihira. Gave birth to one child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yukiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Higashiyama	1708–1710 (2 years)	1680–1720 (39 years) Template:HrDaughter of Prince Arisugawa Yukihito. Gave birth to one child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yoshiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Kōkaku	1794–1820 (26 years)	1779–1846 (67 years) Template:HrDaughter of Emperor Go-Momozono. Last daughter of an emperor to become empress. Gave birth to two children. Adopted Emperor Ninkō. Empress dowager from 1820.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	Emperor Ninkō	posthumously appointed in 1824	1798–1823 (24–25 years) Template:HrDaughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. Married Emperor Ninkō in 1817. Gave birth to two children.
File:Empress Shoken2 (cropped).jpg	Ichijō Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Meiji	11 January 1869 – 30 July 1912 (Template:Ayd)	9 May 1849 – 9 April 1914 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Empress Sadako-big-1912.jpg	Kujō Sadako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Taishō	30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926 (Template:Ayd)	25 June 1884 – 17 May 1951 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Empress Kōjun official portrait 1.jpg	Princess Nagako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Emperor Shōwa	25 December 1926 – 7 January 1989 (Template:Ayd)	6 March 1903 – 16 June 2000 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:EmpressMichikoOfJapan.jpg	Shōda Michiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Akihito	7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019 (Template:Ayd)	born 20 October 1934 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrDaughter of Hidesaburō Shōda. Married Akihito on 10 April 1959. Gave birth to three children. Empress Emerita from her husband's abdication in 2019.
File:Empress Masako at TICAD7.jpg	Owada Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	Naruhito	1 May 2019 – present (Template:Ayd)	born 9 December 1963 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrDaughter of Hisashi Owada. Married Naruhito on 9 June 1993. Gave birth to one daughter.

List of empresses dowager

Portrait	Name	Reign	Life details
File:Empress-Hime-tatara-RA.jpg	Himetataraisuzu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 581 BC<ref name=":8" />	Empress consort of Emperor Jimmu from 660 BC until 581 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Isuzuyori-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 548 BC<ref name=":16" />	Empress consort of Emperor Suizei from 580 BC until 548 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Nunasokonakatsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 510 BC<ref name=":9" />	Empress consort of Emperor Annei from 546 BC until 510 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Amonotoyototsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 475 BC<ref name=":10" />	Empress consort of Emperor Itoku from 509 BC until 475 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Yosotarashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 392 BC<ref name=":11" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kōshō from 447 BC until 392 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Oshihime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 290 BC<ref name=":12" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kōan from 367 BC until 290 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Kuwashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 214 BC<ref name=":17" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kōrei from 289 BC until 214 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Utsushikome {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 157 BC<ref name=":13" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kōgen from 208 BC until 157 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Ikagashikome {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 97 BC<ref name=":14" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kaika from 152 BC until 97 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Mimaki-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 29 BC<ref name=":18" />	Empress consort of Emperor Sujin from 97 BC until 29 BC.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Yasakairi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 132<ref name=":19" />	Empress consort of Emperor Keikō from 122 until 132.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Futaji Irihime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 192	Daughter of Emperor Suinin. Spouse of Yamato Takeru. Gave birth to Emperor Chūai and three other children.
File:Kaiserin Jingū.jpg	Okinagatarashi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	201<ref name=":20" />–269 (68 years)	169–269 (100 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Chūai from 193 until 201. Regent of Emperor Ōjin from 201 until 269.
File:Nakatsuhime Yakushiji.jpg	Nakatsu-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 313<ref name=":21" />	Empress consort of Emperor Ōjin from 271 until 313.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Oshisaka no Ōnakatsuhime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 453<ref name=":22" />	Empress consort of Emperor Ingyō from 413 until 453.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Tachibana no Nakatsu {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 539<ref name=":23" />	Empress consort of Emperor Senka from 536 until 539.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Ishi-hime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	appointed in 572<ref name=":24" />	Empress consort of Emperor Kinmei from 540 until 572.
File:Empress Kōmyō by simomura kanzan.jpg	Fujiwara Asukabehime {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	749–760 (10 years)	701–760 (58–59 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Shōmu from 729 until 749.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 771	died 709 Template:HrDaughter of Ki no Morohito. Spouse of Prince Shiki. Gave birth to Emperor Kōnin and one other child.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Takano no Niigasa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	790–806 (16 years, posthumous)	ca. 720–790 (70 years) Template:HrDaughter of Yamato no Ototsugu. Concubine of Emperor Kōnin. Gave birth to Emperor Kanmu and two other children. Posthumously appointed grand empress dowager in 806.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Otomuro {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	posthumously appointed in 806	760–790 (29–30 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Kanmu from 783 until 790.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Ryoshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	posthumously appointed in 823	759–788 (28–29 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Momokawa. Consort of Emperor Kanmu from 785 until 788. Gave birth to Emperor Junna.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Tachibana no Kachiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	823–833 (9 years)	786–850 (63–64 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Saga from 815 until 823. Grand empress dowager from 833.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Seishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	833–854 (21 years)	810–879 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Junna from 827 until 833. Grand empress dowager from 854.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	854–864 (9 years)	809–871 (61–62 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. Consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 850. Grand empress dowager from 864.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	864–882 (17 years)	829–900 (70–71 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. Consort of Emperor Montoku from 850 to 858. Grand empress dowager from 882.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	882–896 (12 years) Template:Hrposthumously restored in 943	842–910 (67–68 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 884	died 839 Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Fusatsugu. Consort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 839. Gave birth to Emperor Kōkō and three other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 897	died 896 Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Takafuji. Consort of Emperor Uda from 892 until 896. Gave birth to Emperor Daigo and four other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	897–900 (2 years)	833–900 (66–67 years) Template:HrDaughter of Prince Nakano; granddaughter of Emperor Kanmu. Consort of Emperor Kōkō from 884 until 887. Gave birth to Emperor Uda and seven other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Onshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	931–946 (14 years)	885–954 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress Consort of Emperor Daigo from 923 until 931. Grand empress dowager from 946.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Anshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	968–969 (1 year, posthumous)	927–964 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress Consort of Emperor Murakami from 958 until 964. Posthumously appointed grand empress dowager in 969.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	973–986 (13 years)	950–1000 (49–50 years) Template:HrEmpress Consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 973. Grand empress dowager from 986.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 985	945–975 (29–30 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Koretada. Consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 975. Gave birth to Emperor Kazan and two more children.
File:東三条院詮子.jpg	lang}}	986–991 (5 years)	962–1002 (39–40 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie. Consort of Emperor En'yū from 978 until 986. Priestess from 991.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Junshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1000–1012 (11 years)	957–1017 (59–60 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor En'yū from 982 until 997. Grand empress dowager from 1012.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1011	954–982 (27–28 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie. Consort of Emperor Reizei from 968 until 982. Gave birth to Emperor Sanjō and three other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1012–1018 (5 years)	988–1074 (86 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Ichijō from 1000 until 1012. Grand empress dowager from 1018.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kenshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1018–1027 (8 years)	994–1027 (32–33 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Sanjō from 1012 until 1018.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1045	1007–1025 (18 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1051–1068 (17 years)	1013–1094 (80 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku from 1037 until 1051. Grand empress dowager from 1068.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1068–1069 (1 year)	1027–1105 (77–78 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1046 until 1068. Grand empress dowager from 1069.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Hiroko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1069–1074 (4 years)	1036–1127 (90–91 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1051 until 1069. Grand empress dowager from 1074.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1073	died 1062 Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kanshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1074–1102 (28 years)	1021–1102 (80–81 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1068 until 1074.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kenshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1088	1057–1084 (26–27 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Shirakawa from 1074 until 1084.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1107	1076–1103 (26–27 years) Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Sanesue. Consort of Emperor Horikawa from 1098 until 1103. Gave birth to Emperor Toba.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kiyoko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1142–1150 (8 years)	1122–1182 (59–60 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Sutoku from 1130 until 1142. Received an imperial title in 1150.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Tashi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1156–1158 (1 year)	1140–1202 (61–62 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1156. Grand empress dowager from 1158.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1159	1116–1143 (27–28 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1158–1168 (10 years)	1131–1176 (44–45 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1158. Received an imperial title in 1168.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1168–1169 (1 year)	1142–1176 (44–45 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Kinshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1172–1209 (37 years)	1134–1209 (74–75 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Shirakawa from 1156 until 1172.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1243	died 1221 Template:HrDaughter of Minamoto no Michimune. Lady-in-waiting of Emperor Tsuchimikado. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Saga and four other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Saionji Kishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1333 (1 month)	after 1295 and before 1305–1333 (27–38 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Daigo from 1319 until 1333.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1339–1352 (12 years)	1301–1359 (57–58 years) Template:HrDaughter of Ano Kinkado; adopted daughter of Tōin Kinkata. Consort of Emperor Go-Daigo from 1335 until 1339. Received an imperial title in 1352.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1504	1437–1492 (54–55 years) Template:HrDaughter of Niwata Shigekata. Lady-in-waiting of Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado. Gave birth to Emperor Go-Kashiwabara and two other children.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1558	1499–1522 (20–21 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	posthumously appointed in 1728	1702–1720 (17 years) Template:HrDaughter of Konoe Iehiro. Consort of Emperor Nakamikado from 1716 until 1720. Gave birth to Emperor Sakuramachi.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1747–1750 (3 years)	1716–1790 (73 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1771 (2 months)	1743–1796 (52 years) Template:HrDaughter 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.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1781–1783 (2 years)	1760–1783 (23 years) Template:HrDaughter of Konoe Uchisaki. Consort of Emperor Go-Momozono from 1772 until 1781. Gave birth to Princess Yoshiko. Adopted Emperor Kōkaku.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Yoshiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1820–1841 (21 years)	1779–1846 (67 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Kōkaku from 1794 until 1820. Received an imperial title in 1841.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	1847 (8 months)	1811–1847 (36 years) Template:HrDaughter of Takatsukasa Masahiro. Consort of Emperor Ninkō from 1825 until 1847. Gave birth to one child.
File:Empress Eisho Portrait by Araki Kanpo.png	Kujō Asako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1868–1897 (28 years)	1835–1897 (62 years) Template:HrDaughter of Kujō Hisatada. Consort of Emperor Kōmei from 1848 until 1868. Gave birth to two children. Adopted Emperor Meiji.
File:Empress Shoken2 (cropped).jpg	Ichijō Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	30 July 1912 – 9 April 1914 (Template:Ayd)	9 May 1849 – 9 April 1914 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Meiji from 1869 until 1912.
File:Empress Sadako-big-1912.jpg	Kujō Sadako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	25 December 1926 – 17 May 1951 (Template:Ayd)	25 June 1884 – 17 May 1951 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Taishō from 1912 until 1926.
File:Empress Kōjun official portrait 1.jpg	Princess Nagako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	7 January 1989 – 16 June 2000 (Template:Ayd)	6 March 1903 – 16 June 2000 (Template:Ayd) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Shōwa from 1926 until 1989.

List of grand empresses dowager

Portrait	Name	Reign	Life details
File:Fujiwara miyako.jpg	lang}}	749–754 (5 years)	died 754 Template:HrDaughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Spouse of Emperor Monmu from 697 until 707. Gave birth to Emperor Shōmu.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Takano no Niigasa {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	posthumously appointed in 806	ca. 720–790 (70 years) Template:HrConcubine of Emperor Kōnin. Posthumous empress dowager from 790 until 806.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Tachibana no Kachiko {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	833–850 (17 years)	786–850 (63–64 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Saga from 815 until 823. Empress dowager from 823 until 833.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Seishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	854–860 (6 years)	810–879 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Junna from 827 until 833. Empress dowager from 833 until 854. Became a priestess in 860.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	864–871 (7 years)	809–871 (61–62 years) Template:HrConsort of Emperor Ninmyō from 833 until 850. Empress dowager from 854 until 864.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	lang}}	882–900 (18 years)	829–900 (70–71 years) Template:HrConsort of Emperor Montoku from 850 to 858. Empress dowager from 864 until 882.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Onshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	946–954 (8 years)	885–954 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress Consort of Emperor Daigo from 923 until 931. Empress dowager from 931 until 946.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Anshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	posthumously appointed in 969	927–964 (68–69 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Murakami from 958 until 964. Posthumous empress dowager from 968 until 969.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Masako {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	986–1000 (4 years)	950–1000 (49–50 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Reizei from 967 until 973. Empress dowager from 973 until 986.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Junshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1012–1017 (5 years)	957–1017 (59–60 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor En'yū from 982 until 997. Empress dowager from 1000 until 1012.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1018–1074 (56 years)	988–1074 (86 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Ichijō from 1000 until 1012. Empress dowager from 1012 until 1018.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Teishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1068–1094 (18 years)	1013–1094 (80 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku from 1037 until 1051. Empress dowager from 1051 until 1068.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Shōshi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1069–1105 (36 years)	1027–1105 (77–78 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Go-Reizei from 1046 until 1068. Empress dowager from 1068 until 1069.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Princess Reishi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1134–1144 (10 years)	1078–1144 (65–66 years) Template:HrHonorary empress from 1108 until 1134.
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg	Fujiwara no Tashi {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}	1158–1202 (44 years)	1140–1202 (61–62 years) Template:HrEmpress consort of Emperor Konoe from 1150 until 1156. Empress dowager from 1156 until 1158. Consort of Emperor Nijō from 1160 until 1165.

See also

• 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