Empress Gemmei

Empress Gemmei (also Empress Genmy?; ???? Genmei Tenn?) (661 – December 7, 721{{an|Japanese_dates1 1}}) was the 43rd imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession, and the fourth woman to hold such a position. She was a daughter of Emperor Tenji and the wife of Crown Prince Kusakabe no Miko, who was the son of Emperor Temmu and Empress Jit?. Kusakabe was also Gemmei's first cousin and her nephew. After their son Emperor Mommu died in 707, she succeeded to the throne, in hopes of holding it until her grandson Emperor Sh?mu reached maturity. However, in 715, Gemmei abdicated in favor of Mommu's sister Empress Gensh?. Sh?mu later succeeded Gensh?.

Notes

• Japanese dates correspond to the traditional lunisolar calendar used in Japan until 1873. December 7, 721 of the Japanese calendar corresponds to December 29, 721 of the Julian calendar.