Mikekashiya-hime-no-mikoto, also known as Princess Nukatabe, was one of the 26 children of Emperor Kinmei. At the time, polygamy and marriage between blood relatives were common among the hereditary upper classes in Japan, and in 571, at the age of 18, she married her half-brother, Prince Nunakakura no Futomashiki. In the following year, her father died, and her husband acceded to the throne, becoming Emperor Bidatsu. In 576, Emperor Bidatsu’s first wife died, and Suiko was named his official consort and received the title of Ōkisaki. In 585, her husband died, and her brother, Emperor Yōmei, ruled for two years before he died of illness. Afterward, a war between clans broke out over the succession of the crown, and in 592, Emperor Sushun ruled for a few months before he was assassinated. To avoid further power struggles, Suiko was asked to accede to the throne, and in 593, at the age of 41, she became the first reigning empress of Japan. In the following year, she appointed her nephew Prince Shōtoku as regent. During her reign, Empress Suiko made many changes and advancements to Japan. As one of the firsts Buddhist monarchs in the country, she recognized Buddhism as an official religion and sponsored Buddhist temples and monasteries. She formed diplomatic relationships with China and Korea and encouraged Chinese artists, scholars, craftsmen, monks, and nuns to come to Japan. She adapted the Chinese Sexagenary cycle calendar, established the Chinese system of government bureaucracy instead of the old Japanese method, and strengthened the total supremacy of the emperor. After 35 years as regent of the empire, Empress Suiko died at 76 years old. Read more...