Across its imperial history Japan saw the rule of eight empresses regnant in its early period, with two more empresses regnant in the Edo period. Alongside this, there were many empress consorts who held varying degrees of power according to their status and relationship with the emperor. Japan is also notable for the numerous powerful empress dowagers in its history. Spanning several islands, the country of Japan has had monarchical rule since c. 660BC, and has transformed in the twelfth century with the solidification of military governments, known as shogunates. Between 1192 and the Meiji Restoration in 1868, emperors were to largely hold power in name only. From the Meiji Restoration to 1947, imperial power became realised once again. Since then, the empress has been reduced to a largely ceremonial role.
You can find out more about some of Japan’s empresses below!
Bibliography
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