Tōchi, Japanese princess

Princess Tōchi (十市皇女, approximately 648/653 – May 3, 678) was a prominent figure during Japan's ancient Asuka period, an imperial princess whose life was intricately woven into the political and spiritual fabric of her time. She notably served as the empress consort to her cousin, Emperor Kōbun, a role that placed her at the very heart of the imperial court during a period of significant upheaval.

Early Life and Imperial Connections

Born into the revered imperial lineage, Princess Tōchi was the daughter of two significant figures: Emperor Tenmu, who would later become a powerful sovereign, and Princess Nukata, a renowned poetess whose works are celebrated in the classical anthology, the Man'yōshū. Her name, Tōchi, carries a geographical connection, being derived from the Tōchi district, an area situated just a few miles north of Asuka, which was then the cultural and political nucleus of Japan. This naming convention was not uncommon, often linking imperial figures to specific territories or regions.

Marriage and Emperorship

Princess Tōchi's life took a pivotal turn with her marriage to Prince Ōtomo, a union characteristic of the imperial family's practice of intermarriage, often between cousins, to consolidate power and maintain the integrity of the imperial bloodline. Prince Ōtomo eventually ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne, succeeding his father, Emperor Tenji, and becoming Emperor Kōbun. As his empress consort, Princess Tōchi resided with him in the capital of Ōtsu, located in Ōmi Province (an area corresponding to modern-day Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture). This city briefly served as the imperial seat, reflecting the shifting centers of power during the Asuka period.

The Tumult of the Jinshin War

However, Princess Tōchi's time as empress was tragically brief and dramatically interrupted by the Jinshin War of 672. This profound succession conflict pitted her husband, Emperor Kōbun, against her own father, Prince Ōama (who would later become Emperor Tenmu). The war was a brutal and decisive struggle for control of the imperial succession following Emperor Tenji's death. Ultimately, Emperor Kōbun was defeated and tragically killed by Princess Tōchi's father. This devastating outcome not only ended her husband's brief reign but also abruptly concluded her status as empress consort, plunging the imperial court and her personal life into further upheaval.

Life After the War and Spiritual Duties

Following the harrowing events of the Jinshin War, Princess Tōchi returned to Asuka, the traditional heartland of the Yamato court. She found a measure of stability living in the Asuka Kiyomihara palace alongside her mother and her son. In 675, demonstrating her continued connection to spiritual and imperial traditions, she embarked on an important pilgrimage to the Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's most sacred Shinto site. She undertook this significant journey accompanied by Princess Abe, who would later achieve her own distinction as Empress Genmei, highlighting the enduring importance of such rituals for the imperial family.

Tragic Demise and Legacy

A profound spiritual duty awaited Princess Tōchi in 678. Through the ancient practice of divination, she was appointed a Saiō (斎宮), a revered virgin imperial princess designated to serve as a high priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine, representing the emperor and performing crucial Shinto rites. She was preparing to depart her residence to take up her sacred post at Saikū, the dedicated imperial residence for the Saiō, on the 7th day of the 4th month. However, fate intervened tragically; Princess Tōchi died suddenly in her residence before she could fulfill this prestigious role. Her untimely passing deeply affected the court, particularly her half-brother, Prince Takechi, who composed three poignant verses of lamentation in her honor. These moving tributes are carefully preserved within the ancient poetry anthology, the Man'yōshū, providing a glimpse into the personal grief experienced at her loss. The Nihonshoki, one of Japan's oldest official histories, records her burial at a place referred to as Akō, marking the final resting place of this imperial princess whose life was intertwined with some of the most dramatic events of the Asuka period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Princess Tōchi's significance?

Princess Tōchi was an important imperial princess during the Asuka period. She served as the empress consort to Emperor Kōbun and was later tragically appointed as a Saiō, embodying a life shaped by imperial power struggles and significant spiritual duties.

Who were Princess Tōchi's parents?

Her father was Emperor Tenmu, and her mother was the renowned poetess, Princess Nukata.

What was the Jinshin War?

The Jinshin War was a major succession dispute that occurred in 672. It was fought between Prince Ōtomo (Emperor Kōbun), Princess Tōchi's husband, and Prince Ōama (who became Emperor Tenmu), her father, for control of the imperial throne.

What is a Saiō?

A Saiō (斎宮) was an unmarried imperial princess who was appointed through divination to serve as a high priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine, performing important Shinto rituals on behalf of the emperor.

Where was Princess Tōchi buried?

She was buried at a location referred to as Akō, as documented in the ancient historical text, the Nihonshoki.

How is Princess Tōchi remembered?

She is remembered through her key role in significant historical events, her brief time as empress, her tragic death before fulfilling her role as a Saiō, and through the poignant lamentations composed in her honor by Prince Takechi, which are preserved in the Man'yōshū.