Empress Shōshi
Fujiwara no Shōshi (藤原彰子, 988 – October 25, 1074), also known as Jōtōmon-in (上東門院), the eldest daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga, was Empress of Japan from c. 1000 to c. 1011. Her father sent her to live in the Emperor Ichijō's harem at age 12. Because of his power, influence and political machinations she quickly achieved the status of second empress (中宮, Chūgū). As empress she was able to surround herself with a court of talented and educated ladies-in-waiting such as Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji.
| Fujiwara no Shōshi | |
|---|---|
Fujiwara no Shōshi with her infant son Atsuhira is depicted in this 13th-century painting, with her father Fujiwara no Michinaga and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu presiding at the 50-day ceremony of the child's birth. | |
| Empress consort of Japan | |
| Tenure | 1000–1011 |
| Empress dowager of Japan | |
| Tenure | 1012–1018 |
| Grand empress dowager of Japan | |
| Tenure | 1018–1074 |
| Born | 988 |
| Died | October 25, 1074 (aged 86) |
| Spouse | Emperor Ichijō (m. c. 1000; died 1011) |
| Issue | Emperor Go-Ichijō Emperor Go-Suzaku |
| House | Fujiwara clan |
| Father | Fujiwara no Michinaga |
By the age of 20, Shōshi bore two sons to Ichijō, both of whom went on to become emperors and secured the status of the Fujiwara line. In her late 30s she took vows as a Buddhist nun, renouncing imperial duties and titles, assuming the title of imperial lady. She continued to be an influential member of the imperial family until her death at age 86.