Princess Ōku of Japan (b. 661)

Princess Ōku, known in Japanese as Ōku no Ōkimi (大来皇女 or 大伯皇女), was a profoundly influential figure during Japan's transformative Asuka period (538-710 CE). Born on February 12, 661 CE, and passing away on January 29, 702 CE, her life spanned a pivotal era marked by significant political upheaval and cultural advancements. As the esteemed daughter of Emperor Tenmu, one of Japan's most powerful and innovative rulers, and the elder sister of the promising Prince Ōtsu, her lineage placed her at the very heart of the imperial court. The Asuka period was characterized by the consolidation of imperial power, the profound adoption of Buddhism from China and Korea, and the implementation of crucial governmental reforms, such as the Taika Reforms and the establishment of the Ritsuryō legal system, which laid the foundation for a centralized state.

Witness to Turmoil: The Jinshin War

Her early years were indelibly marked by the Jinshin War of 672 CE, a devastating succession dispute that erupted after Emperor Tenji's death. This civil conflict pitted her father, Prince Ōama (who would become Emperor Tenmu), against Prince Ōtomo. Witnessing such large-scale strife from a young age provided Princess Ōku with a unique perspective on the volatile nature of imperial succession and the brutal realities of power struggles in ancient Japan. Emperor Tenmu's decisive victory in this war cemented his authority and ushered in a period of strengthened imperial rule.

The First Saiō: Guardian of Ise Grand Shrine

Perhaps Princess Ōku's most renowned role was her appointment as the very first Saiō (斎王), an unmarried imperial princess who served as a high priestess at the revered Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮). This appointment is famously documented in the Man'yōshū (万葉集), "The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves," Japan's oldest and most significant collection of poetry. The Man'yōshū, compiled over centuries and containing over 4,500 poems, offers invaluable insights into the language, culture, and society of ancient Japan, including details of the imperial court and spiritual practices. The Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami (天照大御神), the Sun Goddess and mythical ancestress of the Imperial Family, holds the highest spiritual importance in Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. As Saiō, Ōku's primary duty was to represent the emperor and the imperial family in ceremonies and rituals, ensuring the prosperity and stability of the nation through divine favor. This prestigious position was typically held for the duration of an emperor's reign and required the princess to live in relative seclusion at the Saigū (斎宮) or Saiō residence near the shrine, undertaking rigorous purification rituals.

Profound Grief: The Tragic Fate of Prince Ōtsu

Princess Ōku's service as Saiō came to an abrupt and sorrowful end in 686 CE with the tragic death of her beloved younger brother, Prince Ōtsu. Prince Ōtsu, a highly intelligent and charismatic figure, was considered a strong contender for the imperial succession after Emperor Tenmu's death. However, he was compelled to commit suicide after being accused of rebellion by Empress Jitō, his aunt and Tenmu's widow, who sought to secure the throne for her own son, Prince Kusakabe. This event deeply affected Ōku, highlighting the perilous nature of imperial politics and the sacrifices demanded by power. Her heart-wrenching poems lamenting her brother's fate are preserved in the Man'yōshū, offering a poignant glimpse into her personal anguish. Following this devastating loss, Princess Ōku returned from Ise to Yamato, the imperial heartland, a journey that symbolized her transition from sacred duty to profound private mourning. She undertook the solemn task of enshrining Prince Ōtsu's remains on Mt. Futakami (二上山), a twin-peaked mountain in modern-day Nara Prefecture. This act was a deeply personal and significant gesture, ensuring his spiritual peace and demonstrating her unwavering devotion, even in the face of imperial displeasure. After this, she lived a more private existence, passing away quietly at the age of 40 in 702 CE. Her life, though marked by both imperial grandeur and personal tragedy, left an indelible mark on Japanese history and spiritual tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Ōku

Who was Princess Ōku?
Princess Ōku (大来皇女 or 大伯皇女, 661–702 CE) was a Japanese imperial princess during the Asuka period, daughter of Emperor Tenmu and the first Saiō (high priestess) to serve at the Ise Grand Shrine. Her life was significantly impacted by the Jinshin War and the tragic death of her brother, Prince Ōtsu.
What was the Asuka period in Japanese history?
The Asuka period (538-710 CE) was a foundational era in Japan characterized by the adoption of Buddhism and Chinese political systems, the consolidation of centralized imperial power, and the development of a structured legal framework (Ritsuryō system). Princess Ōku lived through a crucial part of this period.
What was the role of a Saiō at Ise Grand Shrine?
A Saiō was an unmarried imperial princess who served as a high priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto site in Japan. Her primary duty was to perform rituals and prayers on behalf of the emperor and the nation, dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Sun Goddess and ancestress of the Imperial Family. This role symbolized the deep connection between the imperial house and divine authority.
Why was the Jinshin War significant to Princess Ōku's life?
The Jinshin War (672 CE) was a major civil conflict over imperial succession, which her father, Emperor Tenmu, ultimately won. Witnessing this war as a young girl exposed Princess Ōku to the intense political rivalries and instability that shaped the imperial court, providing a backdrop to her later experiences and decisions.
How did Prince Ōtsu's death affect Princess Ōku?
Prince Ōtsu's forced suicide in 686 CE, ordered by Empress Jitō, was a profound personal tragedy for Princess Ōku. As his devoted sister, her return from her sacred duties at Ise to Yamato to enshrine his remains on Mt. Futakami demonstrated her deep grief and loyalty. Her sorrow is famously captured in poems found in the Man'yōshū.