Empress Kōgyoku (皇極)

History: Empress Kōgyoku (皇極), also known as Empress Saimei, ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 642 CE, becoming the 35th monarch and second empress regnant in ancient Japan. Following the death of her husband, Emperor Jomei, she played a pivotal role in implementing the Taika Reforms (大化の改新) in 646 CE. These reforms aimed to centralize the imperial government, drawing inspiration from Chinese models, and brought about significant changes in land distribution and administrative structure. Empress Kōgyoku's reign marked a transformative period in Japan's early history, influencing both political and cultural landscapes, and shaping the trajectory of the imperial institution. Her legacy endures as a key figure in the annals of Japanese governance.

Note: The Japanese Katakana translation for Empress Kōgyoku is 皇極.