Princess Ōku of Japan (d. 702)

Princess Ōku: A Respected Figure of Japan's Asuka Period

Princess Ōku (Japanese: 大来皇女 or 大伯皇女), born on February 12, 661, and passing on January 29, 702, was a distinguished Japanese imperial princess who lived during the pivotal Asuka period (538 to 710 AD) of Japanese history. This era was characterized by significant political reforms, the introduction and spread of Buddhism, and the development of a centralized imperial state, laying foundational elements for later Japanese society. As a prominent member of the imperial family, her life spanned a period of profound cultural and governmental transformation.

Her Illustrious Lineage and Early Life Amidst Turmoil

Princess Ōku was the daughter of the influential Emperor Tenmu, who reigned from 673 to 686 AD and is credited with consolidating imperial power after a period of intense internal conflict. She was also the beloved elder sister of Prince Ōtsu, a highly talented and popular figure who was considered a strong contender for the imperial succession. As a young girl, Ōku bore witness to the tumultuous Jinshin War of 672, a brutal succession conflict that saw her father, Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu), ultimately emerge victorious against his nephew, Prince Ōtomo. This deeply impactful civil war reshaped the imperial court and had lasting implications for the political landscape of ancient Japan, an experience that undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the young princess.

The First Saiō: Serving at the Sacred Ise Grand Shrine

Perhaps her most historically significant role was becoming the very first Saiō (斎王), or Imperial High Priestess, to serve at the venerable Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū). This paramount Shinto sanctuary is dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess and ancestral deity of the imperial family, making the Saiō's role one of immense spiritual and political importance. According to the Man'yōshū ("The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves"), the oldest extant collection of Japanese poetry, Princess Ōku was designated to this sacred office, tasked with performing rituals and prayers on behalf of the emperor and the nation. This appointment solidified a crucial link between the imperial lineage and the divine, symbolizing the emperor's spiritual authority. Her tenure as Saiō would have involved a life of profound religious devotion and ceremonial duty at the most sacred site in Japan.

A Sister's Grief: The Tragedy of Prince Ōtsu and Her Return

In 686, Princess Ōku's life was tragically altered by the untimely death of her younger brother, Prince Ōtsu. This event is often viewed by historians as a politically motivated tragedy, a result of power struggles within the imperial court, particularly linked to Empress Jitō's ambition to secure the throne for her own son, Prince Kusakabe. Prince Ōtsu was allegedly forced to commit suicide, marking a dark chapter in imperial succession. Overwhelmed by grief, Princess Ōku returned from Ise to Yamato, the imperial capital, to perform a deeply personal act of devotion: to enshrine his remains on Mt. Futakami. This poignant journey and solemn ritual underscore her profound bond with her brother and her enduring sorrow. Following this, she lived out the remainder of her life, experiencing a relatively quiet end at the age of 40.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Ōku

Who was Princess Ōku?
Princess Ōku was a Japanese imperial princess during the Asuka period, daughter of Emperor Tenmu, and the first recorded Saiō (Imperial High Priestess) to serve at the Ise Grand Shrine.
What was the Asuka period?
The Asuka period (538–710 AD) was a significant era in Japanese history marked by the establishment of a centralized imperial state, the introduction of Buddhism, and the implementation of major political reforms.
What was a Saiō?
A Saiō, or Imperial High Priestess, was an unmarried imperial princess who served as the chief priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine, performing sacred rituals and prayers to Amaterasu Ōmikami on behalf of the emperor.
Why is the Man'yōshū mentioned in relation to Princess Ōku?
The Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest poetry anthology, confirms Princess Ōku's role as the first Saiō and contains poems attributed to her, notably those expressing her profound grief over her brother Prince Ōtsu's death, offering invaluable insights into her personal feelings and the period's cultural context.
What was the significance of Prince Ōtsu's death for Princess Ōku?
Prince Ōtsu's death, often seen as a political purge, was a deeply personal tragedy for Princess Ōku. She demonstrated her devotion by returning from her sacred duties at Ise to personally enshrine his remains on Mt. Futakami, an act that defined the latter part of her life.