Futaji Irihime
Legendary Japanese princess and Empress Dowager; wife of Yamato Takeru
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Futaji Irihime (両道入姫命) was the mother of Emperor Chūai, and wife of Prince Yamato Takeru.[1] She was also appointed empress dowager under the reign of her son, Emperor Chūai.[2]
| Futaji Irihime 両道入姫命 | |
|---|---|
| Empress dowager of Japan | |
| Tenure | appointed in 192 |
| Spouse | Yamato Takeru |
| Issue | Ineyoriwake Emperor Chūai Nunoshiirihime Waketake |
| House | Imperial house of Japan |
| Father | Emperor Suinin |
| Mother | Otokaribatatobe |
Life
Futaji Irihime was born the daughter of Emperor Suinin, and a concubine named Otokaribatatobe.[3][4] She married her nephew, Prince Yamato Takeru and gave him four children, including Emperor Chūai.[2][4] Emperor Seimu's wife, Oto-takara, bore the emperor one child named Prince Wakanuke.[5] The prince died young however, and Oto-takara did not give birth to any more children.[6][7] As such, it was decided that Yamato Takeru's son by Futaji Irihime, Prince Tarashinakahiko, would succeed.[8] Prince Tarashinakahiko came to the throne as Emperor Chūai.[6][8] The Nihon Shoki records that following Emperor Chūai's ascension, his mother was honoured as the empress dowager.[2] However, because Yamato Takeru was not the emperor, Futaji Irihime was never the empress consort. Aside from this, both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki do not record her accomplishments.