Empress Suiko took on political challenges and overcame stereotypes
Empress Suiko’s final wish
After Soga no Emishi took over the post of his deceased father, Soga no Umako, imperial succession once again became a source of conflict. At her deathbed, Empress Suiko summoned two prospective successors: Prince Tamura, grandson of Emperor Bidatsu, and Prince Yamashiro, son of Prince Umayato. Although she left them her will, she did not indicate a preference for her successor. Ever mindful of her subjects, who were suffering from famine at the time, Suiko instructed her aids not to expend resources on building a new mausoleum for her. Her final wish was that of a loving mother. She requested that her body be entombed in the same mausoleum in which her beloved son Prince Takeda had been laid to rest.
Life of Empress Suiko
- 554
- Born as the second daughter of six children fathered by Emperor Kinmei.
- 571
- Marries her half-brother Emperor Bidatsu at the age of 18.
- 585
- Emperor Bidatsu passes away.
- 588
- Construction of Asukadera Temple begins.
- 592
- Enthroned at Toyurano-miya Palace at the age of 39,
following the assassination of Emperor Sushun. - 593
- Appoints Prince Umayato as regent.
- 594
- Issues Flourishing Three Treasures Edict.
- 600
- Sends first mission to Sui China.
- 603
- Moves imperial palace to Oharidano-miya. Institutes Twelve-Level Cap and Rank System.
- 604
- Adopts Seventeen-Article Constitution.
- 607
- Sends second mission to Sui China, led by Ono no Imoko.
Issues Edict of Godliness. - 608
- Imoko returns from China accompanied by Pei Shiqing.
Another mission led by Imoko then goes back to China. - 612
- “Medicine hunting” event held near Hatamikai Shrine.
- 614
- Sends final mission to Sui China.
(Sui dynasty falls in 618, superseded by Tang dynasty.) - 622
- Prince Umayato dies at the age of 49.
- 626
- Soga no Umako dies.
- 628
- Empress Suiko dies at the age of 75.
Note: Ages are rendered in the traditional Japanese age-reckoning system, in which newborns start from one instead of zero, and age is incremented on New Year’s Day.
Editor's note: While edited for readability, this story is based on actual historical accounts. Empress Suiko was without doubt one of the "Heroines of Asuka".
We hope her life story will inspire your interest in the culture and history of Asuka.