持統天皇 - 雲心月性...

Empress Jitō (645 – January 13, 703) was the 41st emperor of Japan, reigning from February 14, 690, to August 22, 697.

She was both the niece and consort of Emperor Tenmu and the daughter of Emperor Tenji, later becoming the third female emperor in Japanese history.

Her personal name, Uno no Sarara, is thought to have originated from her guardian, Sarara no Makari. She had two posthumous titles: "Ōyamato-neko Amaterasu Hiromeno Mikoto," recorded at her cremation on December 17, 703, and "Takamanohara Hirono-hime no Sumeramikoto," found at the beginning of the 30th volume of the Nihon Shoki. It is highly likely, though not confirmed, that she visited the Ise Shrine and established the name "Nihon" for Japan.

Her Sinic-style posthumous name, "Empress Jitō," was given by Ōmi no Mifune, derived from the phrase "Keitai Jitō," meaning "successor and sustainer."

江戸時代に描かれた持統天皇。男帝と同じ衣裳をまとう。（出所）勝川春章画『錦百人一首あつま織』、跡見学園女子大学図書館所蔵。

Life

Before the Jinshin War

Her father was Emperor Tenji (Naka no Ōe no Ōji), and her mother was Ochi no Iratsume. Her maternal grandfather was Soga no Kurayamada Ishikawa Maro.

She had an elder sister, Ōta no Himemiko.

In 649, her grandfather Soga no Ishikawa Maro was accused of treason and forced to commit suicide by Naka no Ōe no Ōji. Ishikawa Maro's daughter, Miyako Hime, who was married to Naka no Ōe no Ōji, was overcome with grief and eventually died from illness.

The Nihon Shoki mentions that Ochi no Iratsume was also known as Mino no Tsuko Iratsume, indicating potential confusion between "Mino" and "Miyako." This suggests that Mino no Tsuko Iratsume and Miyako Hime might be the same person, meaning Uno no Sarara lost her mother at a young age.

In 657, at the age of 13, she married her uncle, Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu). Naka no Ōe no Ōji gave four of his daughters, including Ōta no Himemiko, Ōe no Himemiko, and Nitatabe no Himemiko, to Prince Ōama.

In 661, she accompanied her husband and Emperor Saimei on an expedition to Kyushu.

In 662, she gave birth to Prince Kusakabe in Nagatsu, Tsukushi Province, followed by Ōta no Himemiko giving birth to Prince Ōtsu the following year. After Ōta no Himemiko passed away before 667, Uno no Sarara became the highest-ranking consort of Prince Ōama.

The Jinshin War

In 671, when Prince Ōama retreated to Yoshino to avoid political strife, she accompanied him along with Prince Kusakabe. Although not explicitly stated in the Nihon Shoki, it is believed that she was the only wife of Prince Ōama who followed him to Yoshino.

The following year, Prince Ōama raised an army, initiating the Jinshin War. She and her sons, Prince Kusakabe and Prince Takechi, embarked on a strenuous journey to Mino Province.

Due to fatigue, they separated from Prince Ōama's group and stayed in Kuwana, Ise Province. The Nihon Shoki mentions that she "planned the uprising together" with Prince Ōama, indicating her involvement in the rebellion's planning.

During the Jinshin War, a local noble, Ōwari no Ōsumi, provided his residence to the emperor. While it is commonly attributed to Emperor Tenmu, some believe this refers to Empress Jitō.

Empress of Emperor Temmu

When Prince Ōama won the Jinshin War and became Emperor Tenmu in February 673, Princess Uno no Sarara was named Empress.

According to the Nihon Shoki, during Emperor Tenmu's reign, Empress Jitō was always by his side, advising him on matters of state.

In 679, Emperor Tenmu, Empress Jitō, and their six princes took an oath at Yoshino. The princes were Kusakabe, Ōtsu, Takechi, Kawashima, and Shiki. Kawashima and Shiki were sons of Emperor Tenji, while the others were sons of Emperor Tenmu.

Emperor Tenmu made the princes swear to cooperate without conflict and embraced them. Empress Jitō followed by embracing them as well.

Due to the Empress’s illness, Emperor Tenmu decided to build Yakushi-ji Temple for her recovery.

In 681, the Emperor, accompanied by the Empress, began the compilation of the Ritsuryō code in the Daigokuden. He also announced their 19-year-old son, Prince Kusakabe, as Crown Prince, an unprecedented decision given his young age and lack of practical experience. It is believed that this decision was strongly influenced by Empress Jitō.

From around 685, Emperor Tenmu's health began to decline, leading Empress Jitō to increasingly assume his duties. In July 686, the Emperor decreed that all matters of state, large or small, be reported to the Empress and the Crown Prince, leading to their joint administration of state affairs.

「百人一首之内　持統天皇」

The Rebellion of Prince Ōtsu

Prince Ōtsu, a year younger than Prince Kusakabe, was equally well-regarded for his manners and talents, gaining Emperor Tenmu’s favor.

Despite the Nihon Shoki’s glowing depiction of Prince Ōtsu, there are no such praises for Prince Kusakabe, leading scholars to conclude a significant difference in their abilities.

Both princes’ mothers were sisters, but while Prince Kusakabe’s mother was alive and supportive, Prince Ōtsu lost his mother early on. After Prince Kusakabe was named Crown Prince, Prince Ōtsu also participated in court affairs, but Prince Kusakabe’s position remained secure.

However, on October 2, shortly after Emperor Tenmu’s death, Prince Ōtsu was accused of rebellion and committed suicide the next day, allegedly due to Prince Kawashima’s betrayal. The specific plans of the rebellion remain undocumented. It is widely believed that Empress Jitō, sensing unrest or ambition for the throne, swiftly neutralized Prince Ōtsu.

Some speculate that Empress Jitō preemptively eliminated Prince Kusakabe’s rival, regardless of an actual rebellion. This rapid response highlights Empress Jitō's astuteness.

Empress Jitō’s Regency and Ascension

Emperor Tenmu’s funeral, lasting over two years, frequently involved the imperial family and courtiers, seemingly to solidify Prince Kusakabe’s status as the successor.

However, in April 689, Prince Kusakabe died of illness, necessitating a change in succession plans. Empress Jitō intended for her grandson, Prince Karu (later Emperor Monmu), to succeed, but at age seven, he was too young to be named Crown Prince. Consequently, Empress Jitō ascended the throne herself.

In the previous year, the Asuka Kiyomihara Code, a continuation of earlier compilation efforts, was enacted. On December 8 of the same year, a ban on sugoroku (a board game) was issued.

The details of Empress Jitō’s enthronement ceremony in 690 are recorded in the Nihon Shoki alongside Emperor Tenmu’s funeral, providing substantial specifics. Though previous ceremonies were less documented, the precedent of Minister Mononobe no Maro presenting shields and spears, and High Priest Nakomi no Ōshima reading the congratulatory address, were established.

The absence of deliberation or endorsement by ministers seen in previous reigns suggested a departure from tradition, with scholars noting an elevation in imperial authority.

Following her enthronement, Empress Jitō enacted a general amnesty and conducted extensive personnel changes, appointing Prince Takechi as Chancellor and Tajihi no Shima as Right Minister.

This marked a shift from the kin-based governance of Emperor Tenmu’s reign.

Empress Jitō’s Reign

Empress Jitō’s reign continued Emperor Tenmu’s policies, emphasizing long-term mourning while completing key initiatives such as the enactment of the Asuka Kiyomihara Code and the construction of Fujiwara-kyō.

The first ceremonial rebuilding of the Ise Shrine and the new capital’s construction were either continuations of Emperor Tenmu’s plans or initiated by Empress Jitō. Some scholars argue these measures, along with her pilgrimage to Ise, reflected a subtle departure from Emperor Tenmu’s rule to avoid imposing heavy labor burdens on the populace.

Furthermore, Empress Jitō promoted military and martial arts among officials, faithfully continuing Emperor Tenmu’s policies. The submission of burial records was part of her efforts to continue historical documentation.

In civil administration, Empress Jitō compiled a census, known as the Gengō census. In January 687, she distributed cloth to the elderly, sick, and poor in the capital, pardoned criminals in June, and forgave debts incurred before 684 in July. In June 688, she issued another pardon and halved the tribute from provinces. By decisively addressing court unrest and adopting conciliatory policies toward the populace, she successfully navigated the challenges following Emperor Tenmu’s death.

Empress Jitō commissioned Kakinomoto no Hitomaro to compose poems in her praise. Although Hitomaro held a low official rank, he was personally favored by Empress Jitō, continuing as the court poet until her death, after which he transitioned to a regional official.

A notable difference from Emperor Tenmu’s reign was her frequent visits to Yoshino, not merely reminiscing about her husband but also invoking his authority. Records also show her travels to Ise (possibly encompassing Shima, Iga, and Kii Provinces based on annotations), and a presumed visit to Ōmi Province. During her pilgrimage to Ise on March 3, 692, she overruled Minister Miwa no Takichi’s objections about disrupting farming.

This journey aimed to secure regional clan support for the Fujiwara-kyō construction.

Empress Jitō completed the construction of Yakushi-ji Temple in Yamato Province, initially started by Emperor Tenmu to pray for her recovery, and designated it an imperial temple.

Foreign Policy

In foreign policy, Empress Jitō maintained diplomatic relations with Silla, while refraining from official relations with Tang China. The Nihon Shoki entry for 690 notes an imperial decree praising Ōtomo no Hakamaro, who had been held captive in Tang for nearly 30 years.

He had urged his companions to sell him as a slave to return to Japan and report on Tang’s plans to attack Japan, reflecting his loyalty and service to the court.

Empress Jitō did not acknowledge Silla as an equal, insisting on a tributary relationship, which Silla accepted due to its rivalry with Tang. Japan sent scholars and monks to study in Silla.

Abdication to Emperor Monmu

During most of Empress Jitō’s reign, Prince Takechi served as Chancellor, despite his low maternal status, due to his distinguished service during the Jinshin War and his political acumen. His potential role as Crown Prince or a leading candidate is debated among scholars.

In July 697, after Prince Takechi’s death, a council of imperial family members and courtiers, influenced by Prince Katsurano’s advice, named Prince Karu as Crown Prince. This sequence is sometimes viewed as a strategic maneuver by Empress Jitō.

On August 1, Empress Jitō abdicated in favor of her 15-year-old grandson, Prince Karu, who became Emperor Monmu.

Genealogy

Father: Emperor Tenji
Mother: Soga no Ochi no Iratsume
Full Siblings: Princess Ōta, Prince Takeru
Husband: Emperor Tenmu
Child: Prince Kusakabe

genealogy

Grandchildren

Emperor Monmu, Empress Genshō, Princess Kibi (consort of Prince Nagaya)

Empress Jitō had only one child, Prince Kusakabe. His lineage, however, became the main line of the imperial family, playing a pivotal role in the culture and politics of the Nara period. It is worth noting that many male descendants of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō were frail and short-lived, which led to various succession disputes during the Nara period.

After the deaths of her great-great-grandchildren, Prince Motoi and Empress Kōken/Shōtoku, Emperor Kōnin from Emperor Tenji's line ascended the throne, ending the direct lineage of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.

Emperor Kōnin's consort was Princess Inoe, a sister of Empress Shōtoku. Their son, Prince Ate, a great-great-grandson of Empress Jitō, was named Crown Prince but was later demoted and died in disgrace due to accusations of treason. Additionally, Prince Ate's sister, Princess Sake, became a consort of Emperor Kanmu and gave birth to Princess Asahara, who did not have any children.

Furthermore, Minenoo no Ō, a great-great-grandson, was granted the surname Takahara no Mahito in 844 and became the ancestor of the Takahara clan. There are differing accounts about the ancestry of Minenoo no Ō's great-grandfather, Prince Kuwata, which raises the possibility that he might not be a direct descendant of Empress Jitō.

The Takahara clan's lineage includes notable descendants like Takahara no Takako and her son Fujiwara no Takamitsu, an ancestor of Bōmon no Shoku, the mother of Emperor Go-Toba. Therefore, some members of the present imperial family might still carry Empress Jitō's bloodline.

Child:

Prince Kusakabe

Grandchildren:

・Emperor Monmu

・Empress Genshō

・Princess Kibi

Great-Grandchildren:

・Emperor Shōmu (child of Emperor Monmu)

・Takahisa no Hirokage (child of Emperor Monmu, disputed)

・Takahisa no Hiroyo (child of Emperor Monmu, disputed)

・Prince Ioe (child of Princess Kibi)

・Prince Kuwata (child of Princess Kibi)

・Prince Katsuragi (child of Princess Kibi)

・Prince Kadomaro (child of Princess Kibi)

Great-Great-Grandchildren:

・Empress Kōken/Shōtoku (child of Emperor Shōmu)

・Prince Motoi (child of Emperor Shōmu)

・Princess Inoe (child of Emperor Shōmu)

・Princess Fuhashi (child of Emperor Shōmu)

・Prince Asaka (child of Emperor Shōmu)

・Prince Isonomi (child of Prince Kuwata)

Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren:

・Princess Sake (child of Princess Inoe)

・Prince Ate (child of Princess Inoe)

・Hikami no Shikeshimaro (child of Princess Fuhashi)

・Hikami no Kawatsugu (child of Princess Fuhashi)

・Prince Iwami (child of Prince Isonomi)

Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren:

・Princess Asahara (child of Princess Sake)

・Takahara no Minenoo (child of Prince Iwami)

Man'yōshū Poet

Empress Jitō is also remembered as a poet in the Man'yōshū. In Volume 1, Miscellaneous Poems 28, it is noted that she composed the following poem in the first year of her reign (the 11th year of the era of Takamanohara Hirohime Tennō, referring to herself):

春過而夏來良之白妙能衣乾有天之香來山

As spring passes and summer comes,
The robes, white as snow,
Are dried on the fragrant hills of Amanokagu.

This poem was later adapted in the Shin Kokin Wakashū and included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu as:

春過ぎて夏来にけらし白たへの衣ほすてふ天の香具山
As spring passes and summer comes,
The robes, white as snow,
Are dried on the fragrant hills of Amanokagu.

Tomb and Memorial

The tomb (misasagi) of Empress Jitō is located at the Hinokuma no Ōuchi no Misasagi in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, as designated by the Imperial Household Agency.

It is a joint burial mound with Emperor Tenmu, characterized as an octagonal-shaped mound. The site is officially known as the Noguchi Ōkubo Kofun.

Following the Thin Burial Edict of 646, she was the first emperor to be cremated, and her remains were placed in a silver urn next to her husband's coffin.

However, the urn was stolen in 1235 during the Bunryaku era, and her remains were discarded nearby. This event is documented in Fujiwara no Teika's "Meigetsuki" and in the "Record of the Hinokuma Tomb" made during the robbery, detailing the state of the stone chamber.

Additionally, another site, the Unebi Tomb Reference Site in Gojo, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, is also considered a possible burial site for Empress Jitō and Emperor Tenmu. This site is identified as the Maruyama Kofun (Gojo Maruyama Kofun).

At the Imperial Palace, Empress Jitō is enshrined at the Kōrei-den (Imperial Ancestral Hall) along with other past emperors and imperial family members.

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