Empress Suiko

Suiko (554–628), Japan's first recognised empress, was a daughter of Emperor Kinmei and Soga no Kitashihime, and from 576 empress to her half-brother Emperor Bidatsu. After Soga no Umako had Emperor Sushun murdered in 592, she was enthroned in 593.

She named her nephew Shōtoku regent, and their rule promoted Buddhism with the Flourishing Three Treasures Edict of 594, opened relations with Sui China in 600, and introduced the Seventeen-Article Constitution. In 624 she rejected Umako's bid for the Kazuraki district; she died in 628.