Futaji Irihime (両道入姫命) was the mother ofEmperor Chūai, and wife of PrinceYamato Takeru.[1] She was also appointed empress dowager under the reign of her son, Emperor Chūai.[2]
Futaji Irihime was born the daughter ofEmperor 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] TheNihon Shoki records that following Emperor Chūai's ascension, his mother was honoured as the empress dowager.[2] However, because Yamato Takeru was not theemperor, Futaji Irihime was never theempress consort. Aside from this, both theKojiki andNihon Shoki do not record her accomplishments.
Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are inCE / AD1 individuals that were given the title of empress dowager posthumously2 title removed in 896 due to a suspected affair with head priest of the Toko-ji Temple; title posthumously restored in 9433 was made High Empress orde jure empress dowager during her husband's reign
gou_Flag.svg)
