Kōken and Shōtoku

Empress Kōken (718 – August 28, 770), also known as Empress Shōtoku, was the 46th (with Empress Kōken name) and the 48th monarch of Japan (with Empress Shōtoku name). Her personal name (imina) was Abe.  Her father was Emperor Shōmu, and her mother was Empress Kōmyō.

Empress Kōken first reigned from 749 to 758, then, following the Fujiwara no Nakamaro Rebellion, she became empress again taking the name of Shōtoku and reigned from 765 until her death in 770. Retired Empress Kōken was involved in an affair with priest Dōkyō and appointed him to very powerful positions, especially as Empress Shōtoku. In 770 Dōkyō tried to ascend the throne himself. The death of the Empress and resistance from the aristocracy destroyed his plans. This incident was a reason for the later move of the Japanese capital from Nara (Heijō).

During the 8^th century, Buddhism grew greatly thanks to generous court subsidies of Emperor Shōmu (701-756) who reigned from 724 to 749. Emperor Shōmu abdicated in favor of his daughter, Empress Kōken. After abdication, Shōmu took tonsure, thus becoming the first retired emperor to become a Buddhist priest. Empress Kōken /Shōtoku continued expanding Buddhism.