Empress Suiko

Reign: 593 – 628
Life: 554–628

Empress Suiko had several names including Princess Nukatabe and (possibly posthumously) Toyomike Kashikiya. Her mother was Soga no Iname 's daughter, Soga no Kitashihime . Upon Yōmei's death, another power struggle arose between the Soga clan and the Mononobe clan , with the Sogas supporting Prince Hatsusebe and the Mononobes supporting Prince Anahobe . When asked to accede to the throne to fill the power vacuum that subsequently developed, Suiko became the first of what would be several examples in Japanese history where a woman was chosen to accede to the throne to avert a power struggle.

During Empress Suiko's reign, Heraclius ruled Rome, Emperor Yang of Sui ruled China, and Pope Gregory I ruled Papacy.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Empress Suiko

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.

Find this book on Amazon

A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
Find on Amazon