Princess Uji
| Princess Uji 菟道皇女 | |
|---|---|
| Saiō | |
| Tenure | 578 |
| Predecessor | Princess Iwakuma |
| Successor | Princess Sukatehime |
| House | Imperial house of Japan |
| Father | Emperor Bidatsu |
| Mother | Hirohime |
Princess Uji (菟道皇女) was a Japanese princess and saiō. Her father was Emperor Bidatsu and her mother was his first wife, Hirohime.[1]
Life
Princess Uji was born the daughter of Emperor Bidatsu and Hirohime.[1] In 578, she left to become the saiō. However, she likely never worshipped at Mie Prefecture rather worshipping at Mount Miwa.[1] In 578, the same year as her tenureship began, she was raped by Prince Ikebe (possibly Emperor Yōmei), and was forced to resign.[1][2] The saiō was meant to remain unmarried and a virgin, and having their virginity taken away could cost a woman the job.[3] For example, after being accused of having sex and getting pregnant, Princess Wakatarashihime was pressured to resign as saiō, however she ultimately killed herself.[4][5]
Identity
The identity of Princess Uji has been somewhat confused with another daughter of Emperor Bidatsu, and his second wife, Empress Suiko.[6] Emperor Bidatsu had a daughter with Suiko named Uji no Kaitako who went on to marry Prince Shōtoku.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d "伝説の時代の斎王|明和町ホームページ - 多気郡". www.town.meiwa.mie.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ The Nihon Shoki entry for the seventh year of the reign of Emperor Bidatsu
- ^ "Saio-dai (The heroine of Aoi Matsuri Festival)". 京都ガイド. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ Vol.14 of the Nihon Shoki
- ^ 日本人名大辞典+Plus, デジタル版. "稚足姫皇女(わかたらしひめのおうじょ)とは？ 意味や使い方". コトバンク (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ a b 日本人名大辞典+Plus, デジタル版. "菟道貝鮹皇女(うじのかいだこのおうじょ)とは？ 意味や使い方". コトバンク (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-10-05.