Empress Shotoku of Japan

Empress Shōtoku (称徳天皇) was the 48th imperial ruler of Japan and the sixth woman to hold the position. She had previously held the position as Empress Koken.

Today, she is remembered chiefly for conducting an affair with a Buddhist monk named Dokyo, a man on whom she heaped titles and power. The affair illustrated the growing power of the Buddhist priesthood and was a prime factor in Emperor Kammu's decision to move the capital away from Nara in 784.

Empress Shotoku should not be confused with Prince Shotoku (572-622), who was one of the first in Japan to sponsor Buddhism.

Lived 718-770
Reigned 764-770

Preceded by: Junnin

Emperor of Japan

Succeeded by: Konin