fem-tech.siteThe female emperor who led Japan
In the past, Japan was ruled by Empress Jitō, the 41st reigning monarch, from 686 to 715. She was the third female monarch and is known as the longest-reigning female emperor. Empress Jitō actively participated in policy-making throughout different periods, both before and after her ascension to the throne as the retired emperor.
As a partner to those in power:
- She was involved in the planning of the Jinshin War initiated by Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu).
- After Emperor Tenmu's ascension, she supported him as Empress and was involved in political affairs.
As a leader in her own right:
- She made efforts to preserve her lineage, being the daughter of Emperor Tenji.
- She condemned her nephew, Prince Ōtsu, for his rebellion against Emperor Tenmu, leading to his death.
- Following the premature death of Prince Kusakabe, she ascended to the throne herself as Empress, acting as a regent for her grandson, Prince Karu.
- After Prince Karu's ascension as Emperor Bunei, she served as the retired emperor and jointly handled political affairs.
- She took over and completed two major projects: the transfer of the capital to Fujiwara-kyō (the capital city) and the implementation of the Asuka-Jōmi-Genkō (the legal code).
Achievements of Empress Jitō:
- As a central figure in the Taika Reforms, she transformed Japan into a centralized state. The Taika Reforms were political and institutional reforms in Japan carried out in 645. Empress Jitō, as the empress consort of Emperor Tenmu, played a crucial role in these reforms, which aimed to centralize Japan's political system, drawing inspiration from China. This led to the development of Japan as a centralized state.
- She constructed Fujiwara-kyō and relocated the capital of Japan. Fujiwara-kyō was located in present-day Nara Prefecture and was built based on the Chinese capital city design. It became the first full-fledged capital in Japan and served as the center of politics and culture.
- She established the Taihō Code, which laid the foundation for Japan's legal system. Empress Jitō enacted the Taihō Code, the first comprehensive legal code in Japan. The code included provisions related to politics, economics, society, criminal law, and civil law, among others. The Taihō Code established the basis of Japan's legal system.
- She endeavored to promote the spread of Buddhism and built temples such as Hōryū-ji and Tōdai-ji. Empress Jitō made efforts to spread Buddhism and established temples such as Hōryū-ji in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, and Tōdai-ji in Nara City. Hōryū-ji and Tōdai-ji are the oldest temples in Japan and became the center of Japanese Buddhist culture.
- She established the name "Japan" as the country's title and the title of "Emperor." During her reign, various projects were accomplished, including the construction of Fujiwara-kyō, the maintenance of Ise Grand Shrine, and the compilation of the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) and the Man'yōshū (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves).
Empress Jitō's source of female power lies in her strong spirit and leadership. She did not confine herself to the role of a woman but actively engaged in politics and society on equal footing with men.
Empress Jitō made significant contributions to the advancement of women's rights and their participation in society.