Princess Muneko (統子内親王, 13 August 1126 – 20 July 1189), later known as Jōsaimon-in (上西門院), was a princess and an honorary Empress of Japan.[1]

Princess Muneko
統子内親王
Empress consort of Japan
Tenure5 March 1158 – 4 March 1159
Born13 August 1126
Died20 July 1189(1189-07-20) (aged 62)
Heian-kyō (Kyōto)
HouseImperial House of Japan
FatherEmperor Toba
MotherFujiwara no Tamako

She was the daughter of Emperor Toba and Fujiwara no Tamako. She served as Saiin at Kamo Shrine in 1127–1132. She retired from her service as priestess for health reasons. She served as honorary interim empress of her nephew Emperor Nijō awaiting the appointment of a permanent empress. She retired when her nephew married his aunt, her half-sister Princess Yoshiko.

In 1160, following her mother's example, she was ordained as a Buddhist nun at Hōkongō-in.

References

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  1. ^ Ponsonby-Fane, R. A. B. (2014-06-03). Studies In Shinto & Shrines. Routledge. p. 133. ISBN 978-1-136-89294-3.
Japanese royalty
Preceded by Empress consort of Japan
1158–1159
Succeeded by