Tokugawa Masako
Introduction
Portrait of the Tokugawa shoguns
Introduction to Tokugawa Masako
Tokugawa Masako (1607-1678) was the daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada, granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was one of the first few shogun to rule Japan. She later marries Emperor Gomizunoo, putting her in the position that links the imperial and Tokugawa shogun family together. She used this to her advantage by making use of the resources that the Tokugawa family had provided and the power she had as part of the imperial family. She was also an influential figure in the field of arts along with her husband. Masako continued to be relevant as a member of the imperial family in the form of being a mother to Japan’s few female emperors.
Portrait of Tokugawa Masako
Timeline
Portrait of Tokugawa Hidetada
Portrait of Tokugawa Masako
Nijō Castle in Kyoto
Image from the "Purple Robe Incident"
Individual wearing the purple robe
Portrait of Empress Meisho
Hirano Shrine in Kyoto
View of the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa in Kyoto
1607
Born to Tokugawa Hidetada and his official wife (seishitsu) Oeyo as their 5th daughter.
1611
Emperor Gomizunoo's reign began as the
108th emperor of Japan.
1614
Masako's bridal entry (judai) to the Imperial family is officially decided.
1616
Tokugawa Ieyasu, head of the Tokugawa shogunate and Masako's grandfather dies.
Masako's marriage is postponed.
1618
Controversies regarding Emperor Gomizunoo's relations with his mistress Oyotsu arise. It is revealed that the two had children as well.
Masako's marriage is postponed yet again.
1620
Emperor Gomizunoo and Masako get married.
Masako becomes an empress consort.
1623
Masako gets pregnant with Gomizunoo's baby.
This is their first child together.
Their daughter Okiko (later known as Empress Meishō) is born.
1624
Masako is given the title of chūgū and becomes a legitimate wife to Emperor Gomizunoo.
She is the first official empress in nearly 300 years.
1625
Masako gives birth to their second daughter onnaninomiya (real name unknown).
1626
Emperor Gomizunoo and Masako visit Nijō castle in Kyoto. It is very rare for an emperor to leave his palace.
Nijō castle was built and owned by the Tokugawa shogunate.
1627
Emperor Gomizunoo is accused of illegal activity by the bakufu concerning the "Purple Robe Incident" (shie jiken).
Gomizunoo followed imperial traditions, which was frowned upon by the shogun led government.
1628
Their first son Sukehito passes away.
Masako gives birth to their second son wakanomiya who passes away soon after birth as well.
1629
Emperor Gomizunoo appoints his daughter Okiko as the next monarch of Japan.
She becomes Empress Meishō, the seventh empress in Japan's imperial history.
1629
Masako gives birth to their third daughter Akiko.
1629
Following Gomizunoo's abdication, Masako is given the name "Tōfukumon-in".
1632
Masako gives birth to their fourth daughter Yoshiko.
1633
Masako gives birth to their fifth daughter Kiku.
1650
Masako makes a donation to Hirano Shrine in Kyoto in order to create a worship hall.
1653-1655
Under Gomizunoo's order and Masako's support,
the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa is created.
1678
Masako passes away at age 72
