Empress Koken

Empress K?ken (???? K?ken Tenn?) also Empress Sh?toku (???? Sh?toku Tenn?) (718 – August 4, 770{{an|Japanese_dates1 1}}) was both the 46th and 48th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. She first ruled as Empress K?ken from 749 to 758. She abdicated in favor of her second cousin, Emperor Junnin, but six years later she took the crown from him and reascended the throne. Her posthumus name for her second reign (764-770) was Empress Sh?toku.

Related Topics:
718 - Imperial ruler - Japan - 749 - 758 - Emperor Junnin - 764 - 770

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Today, she is remembered chiefly for her affair with a Buddhist monk named D?ky?, a man upon whom she heaped titles and power. The affair illustrated the growing power of the Buddhist priesthood and was a prime factor in Emperor Kammu's decision to move the capital away from Nara in 784.

Related Topics:
D?ky? - Emperor Kammu's - Nara - 784

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Sh?toku died of smallpox, after which she was succeeded by her first cousin twice removed, Emperor K?nin. She should not be confused with Prince Sh?toku (572-622), who was one of the first in Japan to sponsor Buddhism.

Related Topics:
Smallpox - Emperor K?nin - Prince Sh?toku - 572 - 622 - Buddhism

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