was a Japanese princess during the

Asuka period The was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 (or 592 to 645), although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period. The Yamato polity evolved greatly during the Asuka period, which is named after ...

of Japanese history. She was a daughter of Emperor Tenmu, a wife of

Prince Shiki Prince Shiki (志貴皇子, ''Shiki-no-miko'', died 1 September 716), posthumously known as Emperor Kasuga (春日宮天皇), was a member of the royal family in Japan during the Asuka period. He was the seventh son of Emperor Tenji ...

and the mother of

Prince Kasuga A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...

. She was a Saiō.

Genealogy

She is a daughter of Emperor Temmu and Lady Kajihime, whose father is Shishibito no Omi Ōmaro. Her siblings are Prince Osakabe, Princess Hatsusebe and Prince Shigi. The first record on her is that she visited Ise Jingu Shrine to see the Saiō,

Princess Ōku Ōku (Japanese: or ) (February 12, 661 – January 29, 702) was a Japanese princess during the Asuka period in Japanese history. She was the daughter of Emperor Tenmu and sister of Prince Ōtsu. As a young girl, she witnessed the Jinshin War. ...

, in 686. On the ninth month, tenth day of 698, she was selected by divination as the next Saio. The Saio system had been suspended since Princess Ōku resigned from the Saio in 686. Emperor Mommu wished to set up the system again and let a princess serve the Goddess of Ise at all times. In the first month of 701, she was suddenly dismissed from the position of Saio. After she returned the capital she got married with Prince Shiki and gave birth to Prince Kasuga. She lived with her husband until he died in 716. According to '' Nihon Shoki'', she was conferred as the rank of Ippon on the fourth month, 14th day of 749. Japanese princesses 751 deaths 8th-century Japanese women Year of birth unknown Saigū Daughters of emperors {{Japan-royal-stub