Saio
Encyclopedia
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
, sent to Ise
Ise, Mie
, formerly called Ujiyamada , is a city located in eastern Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan.Ise is home to Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō Shrine in Japan, and is thus a very popular destination for tourists. The city has a long-standing nickname—Shinto —that roughly means...
to serve at Ise Grand Shrine from the late 7th century until the 14th century. The Saiō's residence, Saikū
Saiku
, also known as "Itsukinomiya" , was a village located approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Ise Shrine, arguably the most significant Shinto shrine in Japan...
(斎宮), was approximately 10 km north-west of the shrine. The remains of Saikū are situated in the town of Meiwa
Meiwa, Mie
is a town located in the Taki District, of central Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan.In 1958, the town of Sanwa and the village of Saimei merged to form the town of Meiwa.-History:...
, Mie
Mie Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
The Origins of the Saiō
According to Japanese legend, around 2,000 years ago the divine Yamatohime-no-mikotoYamatohime-no-mikoto
is a Japanese deity figure that is said to have established Ise Shrine, where the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined. Yamatohime-no-mikoto is recorded as being the daughter of Emperor Suinin, Japan's 11th Emperor.-Traditional historical view:...
, daughter of the Emperor Suinin
Emperor Suinin
; also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi no Mikoto; was the 11th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 29 BC–AD 70....
, set out from Mt. Miwa in Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
in search of a permanent location to worship the goddess Amaterasu-omikami
Amaterasu
, or is apart of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion. She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. the name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning "shining in heaven." The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is "the great August kami who...
. Her search lasted for 20 years and eventually brought her to Ise, Mie Prefecture, where the Ise Shrine now stands. Prior to Yamatohime-no-mikoto's journey, Amaterasu-omikami had been worshiped at the Imperial Palaces in Yamato
Yamato Province
was a province of Japan, located in Kinai, corresponding to present-day Nara Prefecture in Honshū. It was also called . At first, the name was written with one different character , and for about ten years after 737, this was revised to use more desirable characters . The final revision was made in...
.
According to the Man'yōshū (The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves), the first Saiō to serve at Ise was Princess Oku, daughter of Emperor Temmu, during the Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
of Japanese history. Mention of the Saiō is also made in the Aoi, Sakaki and Yugao chapters of The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji
is a classic work of Japanese literature attributed to the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, around the peak of the Heian period. It is sometimes called the world's first novel, the first modern novel, the first psychological novel or the first novel still to be...
, as well as in the 69th chapter of The Tales of Ise
The Tales of Ise
is a Japanese collection of tanka poems and associated narratives, dating from the Heian period. The current version collects 125 sections, with each combining poems and prose, giving a total of 209 poems in most versions....
(Ise Monogatari).
In the 13th century, Jien
Jien
Jien was a Japanese poet, historian, and Buddhist monk.-Biography:Jien was the son Fujiwara no Tadamichi, a member of the Fujiwara family of powerful aristocrats. He joined a Buddhist monastery of the Tendai sect early in his life, first taking the Buddhist name Dokaie, and later changing it to...
recorded in the Gukanshō
Gukansho
is a historical and literary work about the history of Japan. Seven volumes in length, it was composed by Buddhist priest Jien of the Tendai sect c. 1220....
that during the reign of Emperor Suinin, the first High Priestess (saigū) was appointed for Ise Shrine. Hayashi Gahō
Hayashi Gaho
, also known as Hayashi Shunsai, was a Japanese Neo-Confucian scholar, teacher and administrator in the system of higher education maintained by the Tokugawa bakufu during the Edo period...
's 17th century Nihon Ōdai Ichiran
Nihon Odai Ichiran
is a 17th century chronicle of the serial reigns of Japanese emperors with brief notes about some of the noteworthy events or other happenings.According to the 1871 edition of the American Cyclopaedia, the translation of Nihon Ōdai Ichiran in 1834 was one of very few books about Japan; and it was...
is somewhat more expansive, explaining that since Suinin's time, a daughter of the emperor was almost always appointed as high priestess, but across the centuries, there have been times when the emperor himself had no daughter; and in such circumstances, the daughter of a close relative of the emperor would have been appointed to fill the untimely vacancy.
The Role of the Saiō
For the rest of the year, the Saiō lived in Saikū
Saiku
, also known as "Itsukinomiya" , was a village located approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Ise Shrine, arguably the most significant Shinto shrine in Japan...
, a small town of up to 500 people approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Ise, in modern Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. Life at Saikū was, for the most part, peaceful. The Saiō would spend her time composing Tanka verses, collect shells on the shore of Ōyodo beach, or set out in boats and recite poetry upon the water and wait to be recalled to Kyoto
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
.
Choosing the Saiō
When a former Emperor died or abdicated the throne, when the old Saiō's relative died, or when certain political power required, she would be recalled to the capital and a new Saiō selected from one of the new Emperor's unmarried female relatives using divination by either burnt tortoise shell or deer bones. The new Saiō would then undergo a period of purification before setting out with her retinue of up to 500 people for Saikū, never to return to the capital until recalled by the next Emperor.Upon the selection of the new Saiō, the current Saiō and her retinue would return to the capital to resume their lives as part of the Imperial Court. Often a Saiō was quite young when she left the capital for Saikū, and would only be in her mid-teens or early twenties when she returned to the capital. It was considered a great honor to marry a former Saiō and her time at Saikū improved her own position at court and those of the people who served with her.
The Journey to Saikū
794
Year 794 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 794 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Asia :* Kyoto becomes the Japanese capital, ending...
.
The procession began in what is today the Arashiyama district on the west side of Kyoto. In the Heian period, successive imperial princesses stayed in the Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine
, or the Shrine in the Country, is a Shinto shrine in the Arashiyama district on the west side of the city of Kyoto in Kyoto prefecture, Japan...
for a year or more to purify themselves before becoming representatives of the imperial family at the Ise Shrine. Contemporary annual processions recreate a scene from a picture scroll of the imperial court during the Heian period, starting from the shrine and continuing as far as the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama.
The procession of the Saiō from Kyoto
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
to Saikū
Saiku
, also known as "Itsukinomiya" , was a village located approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Ise Shrine, arguably the most significant Shinto shrine in Japan...
, the Saiō's official residence in Ise
Ise, Mie
, formerly called Ujiyamada , is a city located in eastern Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan.Ise is home to Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō Shrine in Japan, and is thus a very popular destination for tourists. The city has a long-standing nickname—Shinto —that roughly means...
, was the largest procession of its kind in Japan for its time. Up to 500 people would set out from Kyoto as a part of the Saiō's retinue for the six day and five night journey. From Kyoto, they travelled in an eastward direction, passing through the Suzuka
Suzuka, Mie
is a city located in Mie, Japan.As of 2011, the city has an estimated population of 198,716 and the density of 1,020 people per km². The total area is 194.67 km².Located about 83 km east from Nara, and 52 km southwest from Nagoya.-History:...
Pass, which was without doubt the most difficult part of the journey. Once clearing the pass, the retinue would descend into the Ise region and turn south, eventually reaching the Kushida River (櫛田川). Here, the Saiō would stop to perform a final cleansing ritual before crossing the river and travelling the short distance to Saikū.
The Saiō was expected to remain at Saikū until the emperor whom she represented either died or abdicated the throne. The Saiō was permitted to return to Kyoto only on the provision of a close relative's death. When returning to Kyoto, a different route was taken through the mountains to Nara, then to Osaka Bay where a ceremony was to be performed before she could finally return to the capital.
Princess Ōku
The Man'yōshū (The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves), tells the story of Princess Ōku, the first Saiō to serve at Ise ShrineIse Shrine
is a Shinto shrine dedicated to goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami, located in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture, Japan. Officially known simply as , Ise Jingū is in fact a shrine complex composed of a large number of Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, and ....
. The daughter of Emperor Temmu
Emperor Temmu
was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
, Japan's 40th emperor (according to the traditional order of succession), Princess Ōku and her younger brother, Prince Ōtsu
Prince Otsu
was a Japanese poet and the son of Emperor Temmu.-Background:His mother was Princess Ōta whose father was Emperor Tenji. He was therefore the younger full-blood brother of Princess Ōku. His consort was Princess Yamanobe, daughter of Emperor Tenji, thus his cousin...
, survived the Jinshin incident. After taking up her role as Saiō, her brother was put to death for treason in 686 and Princess Ōku was relieved of her duties and returned to Yamato. Here she enshrined her brother's remains on Mt. Futakami before an end was put to her life at the age of 41.
Princess Yoshiko
The Tale of Genji tells the story of Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro, which is believed to be based on Princess Yoshiko, who served as Saiō from 936 to 945. In The Tale of Genji, Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro became the Saiō of Ise Shrine at the young age of 8, serving at the shrine for 9 years. After returning to the capital, she became a consort to Emperor MurakamiEmperor Murakami
was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
and gave birth to Princess Noriko. She became famous throughout Kyoto for her colorful life, devoting herself to waka poetry and music. According to the story, she falls in love with Prince Genji, but her jealous nature brings about the death of two of her rivals. When her daughter is chosen as Saiō at the age of 13, Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro decides to join her in Saikū to help her overcome her feelings for Genji.
Princess Yasuko
The love story of Ariwara-no-NarihiraAriwara no Narihira
was a Japanese waka poet and aristocrat. He was one of six waka poets referred in the preface in kana to Kokin Wakashū by Ki no Tsurayuki, and has been named as the hero of The Tales of Ise, whose hero was an anonym in itself but most of whose love affairs could be attributed to Narihira.He was the...
and the 31st Saiō, Princess Yasuko (served as Saiō from 859 to 876), is told in the 69th chapter of The Tales of Ise. Ariwara-no-Narihira, well known in his time for his good looks, is married to Princess Yasuko's cousin, but on meeting at the Saikū, they fall into forbidden love. Giving in to temptation, they secretly meet under a pine tree on the shore of Ōyodo Port to reveal their feelings for one another and to promise to meet again the following night. But this first secret meeting would also be the last, as Narihira was due to depart that next day for Owari Province
Owari Province
was an old province of Japan that is now the western half of present day Aichi Prefecture, including much of modern Nagoya. Its abbreviation is Bishū .-History:The province was created in 646....
. Princess Yasuko came to see Narihira off, and they were never to see each other again, though it is said that Princess Yasuko bore a child as a result of the brief love affair.
End of the Saiō system
It is not precisely clear when the Saiō system ended, but what is known is that it occurred during the turmoil of the Nambokucho Period when two rival Imperial courts were in existence, in Kyoto and YoshinoYoshino
Yoshino may refer to:* Somei Yoshino, a flowering cherry tree Prunus × yedoensis* Japanese cruiser Yoshino- Places :* Yoshino, Nara, a town located in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Japan...
. The Saiō system had been is steady decline up to this period, with Saikū reverting to just another rural rice farming village after the system's collapse.
Though the area of Saikū remained, it was unclear exactly where the old Imperial town stood until pottery remains were unearthed in 1970 during the construction of housing in the Saikū area, Meiwa Town. A modern museum was built on the site of the first finds and achaeological excavations are continuing, held each summer with the aid of volunteer school children from all over Japan. Though a site for the main Saiō residence has been discovered, a large percentage of it lies beneath the main Kintetsu
Kintetsu
, named Kinki Nippon Railway Co., Ltd. in English until June 27, 2003, is a Japanese rail transit corporation commonly known as . It is the largest non-JR railway in Japan. Its complex network of lines connects Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Tsu and Ise...
Ise railway line and is inaccessible. Istukinomiya Historical Experience Hall, a reconstruction of the building using traditional techniques, was built in the 1990s and stands beside Saiku station on the local Kintetsu rail line, no more than 200 metres for the original site.
Festivals
Aoi Matsuri
The , or "Hollyhock Festival," is one of the three main annual festivals held in Kyoto, Japan, the other two being the Festival of the Ages and the Gion Festival. It is a festival of the two Kamo shrines in the north of the city, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine...
, the first of the three main festivals held in Kyoto each year, re-enacts the Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
march of the Saiō to the Shimigamo Shrine (Lower Kamo Shrine
Kamo Shrine
is a general term for an important Shinto sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto. It is centered on two shrines. The two shrines, an upper and a lower, lie in a corner of the old capital which was known as the due to traditional geomancy beliefs that the north-east...
) in Sakyo Ward. This festival is held every year on May 15 and in 2006 consisted of 511 people dressed in traditional Heian court clothing and 40 cows and horses, stretching around 800 meters from start to finish. This festival is said to have started in the 6th century when the Emperor sent his representatives to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shines to pray from good harvests.
The Saiō Matsuri
Saio Matsuri
The Saiō Matsuri is a 2 day festival held on the first weekend of June in the town of Meiwa, Mie Prefecture in Japan. The Saiō Matsuri celebrates the town's history of once being an Imperial residence. The festival re-enacts the march of the Saiō and her entourage to the nearby Ise Shrine...
is held in the town of Meiwa, Mie Prefecture, on the first weekend of June each year. First held in 1983, it re-enacts the march of the Saiō from her residence at Saikū, to the nearby Ise Shrine. More than 100 people dressed in traditional Heian period costume march along a section of the old Ise Kaido (pilgrimage road), before ending in the grounds of the Saikū Museum.
List of Saiō
After the establishment of the Saiō system by Emperor TemmuEmperor Temmu
was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
, these were priestesses of Ise Shrine
Ise Shrine
is a Shinto shrine dedicated to goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami, located in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture, Japan. Officially known simply as , Ise Jingū is in fact a shrine complex composed of a large number of Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, and ....
.
| Saiō | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Saiō | Japanese Name | Birth / Death year | Appointed by | Relationship to Emperor | |
| 673-686 | Princess Ōku | 大来皇女 | 661-701 | Emperor Temmu Emperor Temmu was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 698-701 | Princess Taki Princess Taki was a Japanese princess during the Asuka period of Japanese history. She was a daughter of Emperor Temmu, a wife of Prince Shiki and the mother of Prince Kasuga. She was a Saio.-Genealogy:... |
多紀皇女 | ?-751 | Emperor Mommu Emperor Mommu was the 42nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Mommu's reign spanned the years from 697 through 707.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Karu-shinnō.... |
Aunt | |
| 701-706? | Princess Izumi Princess Izumi was a person in Japan during the Asuka Period and the Nara Period. She was a daughter of Emperor Tenji. Her mother was Lady Shikobuko, whose father was Oshimi no Miyakko Otatsu... |
泉内親王 | ?-734 | Emperor Mommu Emperor Mommu was the 42nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Mommu's reign spanned the years from 697 through 707.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Karu-shinnō.... |
Distant Relative | |
| 706-707? | Princess Takata Princess Takata Princess Takata was a Japanese princess during the Asuka period and Nara period of Japanese history. She was a daughter of Emperor Temmu and Lady Ōnu whose father is Soga no Akaye. Prince Hozumi is her older brother, and Princess Ki her older sister. She was a Saio.-Genealogy:She handed over the... |
田形内親王 | ?-728 | Emperor Mommu Emperor Mommu was the 42nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Mommu's reign spanned the years from 697 through 707.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Karu-shinnō.... |
Aunt | |
| 715?-721 | Princess Kuse | 久勢女王 | Empress Genshō Empress Gensho was the 44th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Genshō's reign spanned the years 715 through 724.In the history of Japan, Genshō was the fifth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The four female monarchs before Genshō were: Suiko, Kōgyoku/Saimei,... |
Unknown | ||
| 721-730? | Princess Inoe | 井上内親王 | 717-775 | Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shomu was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 723.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 744?-749 | Princess Agata | 県女王 | Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shomu was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 723.-Traditional narrative:... |
Unknown | ||
| 749-756? | Princess Oyake | 小宅女王 | Empress Kōken Empress Koken , also known as , was the 46th and the 48th emperor of Japan respectively, according to the traditional order of succession. Empress Kōken first reigned from 749 to 758, then she reascended the throne as Empress Shōtoku from 765 until her death in 770.... |
Distant Relative | ||
| 758-764? | Princess Yamao | 山於女王 | Emperor Junnin Emperor Junnin was the 47th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Junnin's reign spanned the years 758 to 764.-Traditional narrative:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Ōi-shinnō .... |
Unknown | ||
| 772-775? | Princess Sakahito Princess Sakahito was a Japanese princess, born as a daughter of Emperor Kōnin.Her mother was reported to be Princess Inoue—a daughter of Emperor Shōmu, but there is another theory that her mother was Takano no Niigasa.... |
酒人内親王 | 754-829 | Emperor Kōnin Emperor Konin was the 49th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōnin's reign lasted from 770 to 781.-Traditional narrative:The personal name of Emperor Kōnin was given was As a son of Imperial Prince Shiki and a grandson of Emperor Tenji., his formal style was Prince Shirakabe... |
Daughter | |
| 775?-781? | Princess Kiyoniwa | 浄庭女王 | Emperor Kōnin Emperor Konin was the 49th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōnin's reign lasted from 770 to 781.-Traditional narrative:The personal name of Emperor Kōnin was given was As a son of Imperial Prince Shiki and a grandson of Emperor Tenji., his formal style was Prince Shirakabe... |
Distant Relative | ||
| 782-796 | Princess Asahara | 朝原内親王 | 779-817 | Emperor Kammu Emperor Kammu was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne... |
Daughter | |
| 796-806 | Princess Fuse | 布勢内親王 | ?-812 | Emperor Kammu Emperor Kammu was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne... |
Daughter | |
| 806-809 | Princess Ōhara | 大原内親王 | ?-863 | Emperor Heizei Emperor Heizei , also known as Heijō-tennō. was the 51st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Heizei's reign lasted from 806 to 809.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 809-823 | Princess Yoshiko | 仁子内親王 | ?-889 | Emperor Saga Emperor Saga was the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Saga's reign spanned the years from 809 through 823.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 823-827 | Princess Ujiko | 氏子内親王 | ?-885 | Emperor Junna Emperor Junna was the 53rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Junna reigned from 823 to 833.-Traditional narrative:Junna had six Empresses and Imperial consorts and 13 Imperial sons and daughters... |
Daughter | |
| 828-833 | Princess Yoshiko | 宜子女王 | Emperor Junna Emperor Junna was the 53rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Junna reigned from 823 to 833.-Traditional narrative:Junna had six Empresses and Imperial consorts and 13 Imperial sons and daughters... |
Niece | ||
| 833-850 | Princess Hisako | 久子内親王 | ?-876 | Emperor Nimmyō Emperor Nimmyo was the 54th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Ninmyō's reign lasted from 833 to 850.-Traditional narrative:Ninmyō was the second son of Emperor Saga and the Empress Tachibana no Kachiko. His personal name was... |
Daughter | |
| 850-858 | Princess Yasuko | 晏子内親王 | ?-900 | Emperor Montoku Emperor Montoku was the 55th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of Montoku's spanned the years from 850 through 858.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 859-876 | Princess Yasuko | 恬子内親王 | ?-913 | Emperor Seiwa Emperor Seiwa was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (different mother) | |
| 877-880 | Princess Satoko | 識子内親王 | 874-906 | Emperor Yōzei Emperor Yozei was the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (different mother) | |
| 882-884 | Princess Nagako | 掲子内親王 | ?-914 | Emperor Yōzei Emperor Yozei was the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:... |
Aunt | |
| 884-887 | Princess Shigeko | 繁子内親王 | ?-916 | Emperor Kōkō Emperor Koko was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of... |
Daughter | |
| 889-897 | Princess Motoko | 元子女王 | Emperor Uda Emperor Uda was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.-Name and legacy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Chōjiin-tei.... |
Distant Relative | ||
| 897-930 | Princess Yasuko | 柔子内親王 | ?-959 | Emperor Daigo Emperor Daigo was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (same mother) | |
| 931-936 | Princess Masako | 雅子内親王 | 909-954 | Emperor Suzaku Emperor Suzaku was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (different mother) | |
| 936 | Princess Sayoko | 斉子内親王 | 921-936 | Emperor Suzaku Emperor Suzaku was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (different mother) | |
| 936-945 | Princess Yoshiko | 徽子女王 | 929-985 | Emperor Suzaku Emperor Suzaku was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.-Traditional narrative:... |
Niece | |
| 946 | Princess Hanako | 英子内親王 | 921-946 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
Sister (different mother) | |
| 947-954 | Princess Yoshiko | 悦子女王 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
Niece | ||
| 955-967 | Princess Rakushi | 楽子内親王 | 952-998 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 968-969 | Princess Sukeko | 輔子内親王 | 953-992 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
Daughter | |
| 969-974 | Princess Takako | 隆子女王 | ?-974 | Prince Akiakira | Daughter | |
| 975-984 | Princess Noriko | 規子内親王 | 949-986 | Emperor Murakami Emperor Murakami was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:... |
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| 984-986 | Princess Saishi | 済子女王 | Prince Akiakira | Daughter | ||
| 986-1010 | Princess Kyōshi | 恭子女王 | 984-? | Prince Tamehira | Daughter | |
| 1012–1016 | Princess Tōshi | 当子内親王 | 1001–1023 | Emperor Sanjō Emperor Sanjo was the 67th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.-Traditional narrative:... |
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| 1016–1036 | Princess Senshi | 嫥子女王 | 1005–1074 | Prince Tomohira | Daughter | |
| 1036–1045 | Princess Nagako | 良子内親王 | 1029–1077 | Emperor Go-Suzaku Emperor Go-Suzaku was the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.This 11th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Suzaku and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the... |
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| 1046–1051 | Princess Yoshiko | 嘉子内親王 | ca.1030-? | Emperor Go-Reizei Emperor Go-Reizei was the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor... |
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| 1051–1068 | Princess Tagako | 敬子女王 | Emperor Go-Reizei Emperor Go-Reizei was the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor... |
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| 1069–1072 | Princess Toshiko | 俊子内親王 | 1056–1132 | Emperor Go-Sanjō Emperor Go-Sanjo was the 71st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1068 through 1073.This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"... |
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| 1073–1077 | Princess Atsuko | 淳子女王 | Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa was the 72nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shirakawa's reign lasted from 1073 to 1087.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadahito-shinnō .... |
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| 1078–1084 | Princess Yasuko | 媞子内親王 | 1076–1096 | Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa was the 72nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Shirakawa's reign lasted from 1073 to 1087.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadahito-shinnō .... |
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| 1087–1107 | Princess Yoshiko | 善子内親王 | 1077–1132 | Emperor Horikawa Emperor Horikawa was the 73rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Horikawa's reign spanned the years from 1087 through 1107.-Traditional narrative:... |
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| 1108–1123 | Princess Aiko | 恂子内親王 | 1093–1132 | Emperor Toba Emperor Toba was the 74th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Toba's reign spanned the years from 1107 through 1123.- Genealogy :... |
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| 1123–1141 | Princess Moriko | 守子女王 | 1111–1156 | Emperor Sutoku Emperor Sutoku was the 75th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sutoku's reign spanned the years from 1123 through 1142.-Genealogy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Akihito .... |
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| 1142–1150 | Princess Yoshiko | 妍子内親王 | ?-1161 | Emperor Konoe Emperor Konoe was the 76th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Konoe's reign spanned the years from 1142 through 1155.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1151–1155 | Princess Yoshiko | 喜子内親王 | Emperor Konoe Emperor Konoe was the 76th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Konoe's reign spanned the years from 1142 through 1155.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1156–1158 | Princess Asako | 亮子内親王 | 1147–1216 | Emperor Go-Shirakawa Emperor Go-Shirakawa Emperor Go-Shirakawa was the 77th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
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| 1158–1165 | Princess Yoshiko | 好子内親王 | 1148–1192 | Emperor Nijō Emperor Nijo Emperor Nijō was the 78th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spaned the years from 1158 through 1165.- Genealogy :... |
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| 1165–1168 | Princess Nobuko | 休子内親王 | 1157–1171 | Emperor Rokujō Emperor Rokujo Emperor Rokujō was the 79th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1165 through 1168.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1168–1172 | Princess Atsuko | 惇子内親王 | 1158–1172 | Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura was the 80th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1168 through 1180.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1177–1179 | Princess Isako | 功子内親王 | 1176-? | Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura Emperor Takakura was the 80th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1168 through 1180.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1185–1198 | Princess Sayoko | 潔子内親王 | 1179-after 1227 | Emperor Go-Toba Emperor Go-Toba was the 82nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1183 through 1198.... |
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| 1199–1210 | Princess Sumiko | 粛子内親王 | 1196-? | Emperor Tsuchimikado Emperor Tsuchimikado was the 83rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Tsuchimikado's reign spanned the years from 1198 through 1210.-Genealogy:Before Tsuchimikado's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was .... |
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| 1215–1221 | Princess Hiroko | 熙子内親王 | 1205-? | Emperor Juntoku Emperor Juntoku was the 84th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1210 through 1221.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1226–1232 | Princess Toshiko | 利子内親王 | 1197–1251 | Emperor Go-Horikawa Emperor Go-Horikawa was the 86th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years from 1221 through 1232.... |
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| 1237–1242 | Princess Teruko | 昱子内親王 | 1231–1246 | Emperor Shijō Emperor Shijo was the 87th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years 1232 through 1242.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1244–1246 | Princess Akiko | 曦子内親王 | 1224–1262 | Emperor Go-Saga Emperor Go-Saga Emperor Go-Saga was the 88th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession... |
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| 1262–1272 | Princess Yasuko | 愷子内親王 | 1249–1284 | Emperor Kameyama Emperor Kameyama was the 90th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1259 through 1274.-Genealogy:... |
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| 1306–1308 | Princess Masako | 弉子内親王 | 1286–1348 | Emperor Go-Nijō Emperor Go-Nijo Emperor Go-Nijō was the 94th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from March 3, 1301 until September 10, 1308... |
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| 1330–1331 | Princess Yoshiko | 懽子内親王 | 1315–1362 | Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
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| 1333-1334 | Princess Sachiko | 祥子内親王 | Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo Emperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.... |
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