Saiō

A Saiō (斎王), also known as Itsuki no Miko (斎皇女), was an unmarried female member of the Japanese Imperial Family, sent to Ise to serve at Ise Grand Shrine from the late 7th century until the 14th century. The Saiō's residence, Saikū (斎宮), was about 10 km north-west of the shrine. The remains of Saikū are situated in the town of Meiwa, Mie Prefecture, Japan.[1]

This article is about the type of Japanese noblewoman. For the town in Ethiopia, see Dembidolo.
Saiō in jūnihitoe, a Heian imperial kimono (at the 2007 Saiō Matsuri)

Origins
Image from the Tale of Genji showing what life at Saikū might have been like

According to Japanese legend, around 2,000 years ago the divine Yamatohime-no-mikoto, daughter of the Emperor Suinin, set out from Mt. Miwa in Nara Prefecture in search of a permanent location to worship the goddess Amaterasu-omikami.[2] Her search lasted for 20 years and eventually brought her to Ise, Mie Prefecture, where the Ise Shrine now stands.[3] Prior to Yamatohime-no-mikoto's journey, Amaterasu-omikami had been worshiped at the Imperial Palaces in Yamato.

According to the Man'yōshū (The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves), the first Saiō to serve at Ise was Princess Ōku, daughter of Emperor Tenmu, during the Asuka period of Japanese history. Mention of the Saiō is also made in the Aoi, Sakaki and Yugao chapters of The Tale of Genji, as well as in the 69th chapter of The Tales of Ise (Ise Monogatari).

In the 13th century, Jien recorded in the Gukanshō that during the reign of Emperor Suinin, the first High Priestess (saigū) was appointed for Ise Shrine.[4] Hayashi Gahō's 17th century Nihon Ōdai Ichiran is somewhat more expansive, explaining that since Suinin's time, a daughter of the emperor was almost always appointed as high priestess, but across the centuries, there have been times when the emperor himself had no daughter; and in such circumstances, the daughter of a close relative of the emperor would have been appointed to fill the untimely vacancy.[5]

Role
Display item the room of the Saiō, in the Saikū Historical Museum

The role of the Saiō was to serve as High Priestess at Ise Shrine on behalf of the Emperor, to represent the role first set out by Yamatohime-no-mikoto. Three rituals a year were conducted at the Shrine in which the Saiō prayed for peace and protection. In June and November each year, she journeyed to the Shrine to perform the Tsukinamisai Festival. In September in ancient Calendar, she performed the Kannamesai Festival 神嘗祭 to make offerings to the kami of the year's new grain harvest.[6]

For the rest of the year, the Saiō lived in Saikū, a small town of up to 500 people approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Ise, in modern Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. Life at Saikū was, for the most part, peaceful. The Saiō would spend her time composing waka verses, collect shells on the shore of Ōyodo beach, or set out in boats and recite poetry upon the water and wait to be recalled to Kyoto.[6]

Selection process

When a former Emperor died or abdicated the throne, when the old Saiō's relative died, or when certain political power required, she would be recalled to the capital and a new Saiō selected from one of the new Emperor's unmarried female relatives using divination by either burnt tortoise shell or deer bones. The new Saiō would then undergo a period of purification before setting out with her retinue of up to 500 people for Saikū, never to return to the capital until recalled by the next Emperor.

Upon the selection of the new Saiō, the current Saiō and her retinue would return to the capital to resume their lives as part of the Imperial Court. Often a Saiō was quite young when she left the capital for Saikū, and would only be in her mid-teens or early twenties when she returned to the capital. It was considered a great honor to marry a former Saiō and her time at Saikū improved her own position at court and those of the people who served with her.

Procession to Saikū
Map of the travel routes to Saikū, the seat of the Saiō
The Tarumi-tongū temporary residence

The below is the explanation of the procession routes of the Saiō after the capital was moved to Heian-kyō in 794.

The procession began in what is today the Arashiyama district on the west side of Kyoto. In the Heian period, successive imperial princesses stayed in the Nonomiya Shrine for a year or more to purify themselves before becoming representatives of the imperial family at the Ise Shrine.[7] Contemporary annual processions recreate a scene from a picture scroll of the imperial court during the Heian period, starting from the shrine and continuing as far as the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama.[8]

The procession of the Saiō from Kyoto to Saikū, the Saiō's official residence in Ise, was the largest procession of its kind in Japan for its time. Up to 500 people would set out from Kyoto as a part of the Saiō's retinue for the six-day-and-five-night journey. From Kyoto, they travelled in an eastward direction, passing through the Suzuka Pass, which was without doubt the most difficult part of the journey. Once clearing the pass, the retinue would descend into the Ise region and turn south, eventually reaching the Kushida River (櫛田川). Here, the Saiō would stop to perform a final cleansing ritual before crossing the river and travelling the short distance to Saikū.[9]

The Saiō was expected to remain at Saikū until the emperor whom she represented either died or abdicated the throne. The Saiō was permitted to return to Kyoto only on the provision of a close relative's death. When returning to Kyoto, a different route was taken through the mountains to Nara, then to Osaka Bay where a ceremony was to be performed before she could finally return to the capital.

Saiōs from Japanese literature

Princess Ōku

The Man'yōshū (The Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves), tells the story of Princess Ōku, the first Saiō to serve at Ise Shrine. The daughter of Emperor Tenmu, Japan's 40th emperor (according to the traditional order of succession), Princess Ōku and her younger brother, Prince Ōtsu, survived the Jinshin incident. After taking up her role as Saiō, her brother was put to death for treason in 686 and Princess Ōku was relieved of her duties and returned to Yamato. Here she enshrined her brother's remains on Mt. Futakami before an end was put to her life at the age of 41.[10]

Princess Yoshiko

The Tale of Genji tells the story of Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro, which is believed to be based on Princess Yoshiko, who served as Saiō from 936 to 945. In The Tale of Genji, Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro became the Saiō of Ise Shrine at the young age of 8, serving at the shrine for 9 years. After returning to the capital, she became a consort to Emperor Murakami and gave birth to Princess Noriko. She became famous throughout Kyoto for her colorful life, devoting herself to waka poetry and music. According to the story, she falls in love with Prince Genji, but her jealous nature brings about the death of two of her rivals. When her daughter is chosen as Saiō at the age of 13, Rokujo-no-miyasudokoro decides to join her in Saikū to help her overcome her feelings for Genji.[10]

Princess Yasuko

The love story of Ariwara-no-Narihira and the 31st Saiō, Princess Yasuko (served as Saiō from 859 to 876), is told in the 69th chapter of The Tales of Ise. Ariwara-no-Narihira, well known in his time for his good looks, is married to Princess Yasuko's cousin, but on meeting at the Saikū, they fall into forbidden love. Giving in to temptation, they secretly meet under a pine tree on the shore of Ōyodo Port to reveal their feelings for one another and to promise to meet again the following night. But this first secret meeting would also be the last, as Narihira was due to depart that next day for Owari Province. Princess Yasuko came to see Narihira off, and they were never to see each other again, though it is said that Princess Yasuko bore a child as a result of the brief love affair.[11]

End of the Saiō system

It is not precisely clear when the Saiō system ended, but what is known is that it occurred during the turmoil of the Nanboku-chō Period when two rival Imperial courts were in existence, in Kyoto and Yoshino. The Saiō system had been in steady decline up to this period, with Saikū reverting to just another rural rice farming village after the system's collapse.

Though the area of Saikū remained, it was unclear exactly where the old Imperial town stood until pottery remains were unearthed in 1970 during the construction of housing in the Saikū area, Meiwa Town. A modern museum was built on the site of the first finds and archaeological excavations are continuing, held each summer with the aid of volunteer school children from all over Japan. Though a site for the main Saiō residence has been discovered, a large percentage of it lies beneath the main Kintetsu Ise railway line and is inaccessible. Itsukinomiya Historical Experience Hall, a reconstruction of the building using traditional techniques, was built in the 1990s and stands beside Saiku station on the local Kintetsu rail line, no more than 200 metres for the original site.

Festivals
The 2007 Saiō Matsuri in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture

The Aoi Matsuri, the first of the three main festivals held in Kyoto each year, re-enacts the Heian period march of the Saiō to the Shimigamo Shrine (Lower Kamo Shrine) in Sakyo Ward. This festival is held every year on May 15 and in 2006 consisted of 511 people dressed in traditional Heian court clothing and 40 cows and horses, stretching around 800 meters from start to finish. This festival is said to have started in the 6th century when the Emperor sent his representatives to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shines to pray from good harvests.

The Saiō Matsuri is held in the town of Meiwa, Mie Prefecture, on the first weekend of June each year. First held in 1983, it re-enacts the march of the Saiō from her residence at Saikū, to the nearby Ise Shrine. More than 100 people dressed in traditional Heian period costume march along a section of the old Ise Kaido (pilgrimage road), before ending in the grounds of the Saikū Museum.

List of Saiō

After the establishment of the Saiō system by Emperor Tenmu, these were priestesses of Ise Shrine.

List of Saiō who served at Saikū
Saiō[12]
Date Saiō Japanese Name Birth / Death year Appointed by Relationship to Emperor
673–686 Princess Ōku 大来皇女 661–701 Emperor Tenmu Daughter
698–701 Princess Taki 多紀皇女 ?–751 Emperor Monmu Aunt
701–706? Princess Izumi 泉内親王 ?–734 Emperor Monmu Distant Relative
706–707? Princess Takata 田形内親王 ?–728 Emperor Monmu Aunt
715?–721 Princess Kuse 久勢女王 Empress Genshō Unknown
721–730? Princess Inoe 井上内親王 717–775 Emperor Shōmu Daughter
744?–749 Princess Agata 県女王 　 Emperor Shōmu Unknown
749–756? Princess Oyake 小宅女王 　 Empress Kōken Distant Relative
758–764? Princess Yamao 山於女王 　 Emperor Junnin Unknown
772–775? Princess Sakahito 酒人内親王 754–829 Emperor Kōnin Daughter
775?–781? Princess Kiyoniwa 浄庭女王 　 Emperor Kōnin Distant Relative
782–796 Princess Asahara 朝原内親王 779–817 Emperor Kanmu Daughter
796–806 Princess Fuse 布勢内親王 ?–812 Emperor Kanmu Daughter
806–809 Princess Ōhara 大原内親王 ?–863 Emperor Heizei Daughter
809–823 Princess Yoshiko 仁子内親王 ?–889 Emperor Saga Daughter
823–827 Princess Ujiko 氏子内親王 ?–885 Emperor Junna Daughter
828–833 Princess Yoshiko 宜子女王 　 Emperor Junna Niece
833–850 Princess Hisako 久子内親王 ?–876 Emperor Ninmyō Daughter
850–858 Princess Yasuko 晏子内親王 ?–900 Emperor Montoku Daughter
859–876 Princess Yasuko 恬子内親王 ?–913 Emperor Seiwa Sister (different mother)
877–880 Princess Satoko 識子内親王 874–906 Emperor Yōzei Sister (different mother)
882–884 Princess Nagako 掲子内親王 ?–914 Emperor Yōzei Aunt
884–887 Princess Shigeko 繁子内親王 ?–916 Emperor Kōkō Daughter
889–897 Princess Motoko 元子女王 　 Emperor Uda Distant Relative
897–930 Princess Yasuko 柔子内親王 ?–959 Emperor Daigo Sister (same mother)
931–936 Princess Masako 雅子内親王 909–954 Emperor Suzaku Sister (different mother)
936 Princess Sayoko 斉子内親王 921–936 Emperor Suzaku Sister (different mother)
936–945 Princess Yoshiko 徽子女王 929–985 Emperor Suzaku Niece
946 Princess Hanako 英子内親王 921–946 Emperor Murakami Sister (different mother)
947–954 Princess Yoshiko 悦子女王 　 Emperor Murakami Niece
955–967 Princess Rakushi 楽子内親王 952–998 Emperor Murakami Daughter
968–969 Princess Sukeko 輔子内親王 953-992 Emperor Murakami Daughter
969–974 Princess Takako 隆子女王 ?–974 Prince Akiakira Daughter
975–984 Princess Noriko 規子内親王 949–986 Emperor Murakami Daughter
984–986 Princess Saishi 済子女王 　 Prince Akiakira Daughter
986–1010 Princess Kyōshi 恭子女王 984–? Prince Tamehira Daughter
1012–1016 Princess Masako 当子内親王 1001–1023 Emperor Sanjō Daughter
1016–1036 Princess Senshi 嫥子女王 1005–1074 Prince Tomohira Daughter
1036–1045 Princess Nagako 良子内親王 1029–1077 Emperor Go-Suzaku Daughter
1046–1051 Princess Yoshiko 嘉子内親王 c.1030–? Emperor Go-Reizei
1051–1068 Princess Tagako 敬子女王 　 Emperor Go-Reizei
1069–1072 Princess Toshiko 俊子内親王 1056–1132 Emperor Go-Sanjō
1073–1077 Princess Atsuko 淳子女王 　 Emperor Shirakawa
1078–1084 Princess Yasuko 媞子内親王 1076–1096 Emperor Shirakawa
1087–1107 Princess Yoshiko 善子内親王 1077–1132 Emperor Horikawa
1108–1123 Princess Aiko 恂子内親王 1093–1132 Emperor Toba
1123–1141 Princess Moriko 守子女王 1111–1156 Emperor Sutoku
1142–1150 Princess Yoshiko 妍子内親王 ?-1161 Emperor Konoe
1151–1155 Princess Yoshiko 喜子内親王 　 Emperor Konoe
1156–1158 Princess Asako 亮子内親王 1147–1216 Emperor Go-Shirakawa
1158–1165 Princess Yoshiko 好子内親王 1148–1192 Emperor Nijō
1165–1168 Princess Nobuko 休子内親王 1157–1171 Emperor Rokujō
1168–1172 Princess Atsuko 惇子内親王 1158–1172 Emperor Takakura
1177–1179 Princess Isako 功子内親王 1176-? Emperor Takakura
1185–1198 Princess Sayoko 潔子内親王 1179-after 1227 Emperor Go-Toba
1199–1210 Princess Sumiko 粛子内親王 1196-? Emperor Tsuchimikado
1215–1221 Princess Hiroko 熙子内親王 1205-? Emperor Juntoku
1226–1232 Princess Toshiko 利子内親王 1197–1251 Emperor Go-Horikawa
1237–1242 Princess Teruko 昱子内親王 1231–1246 Emperor Shijō
1244–1246 Princess Akiko 曦子内親王 1224–1262 Emperor Go-Saga
1262–1272 Princess Yasuko 愷子内親王 1249–1284 Emperor Kameyama
1306–1308 Princess Masako 弉子内親王 1286–1348 Emperor Go-Nijō
1330–1331 Princess Yoshiko 懽子内親王 1315–1362 Emperor Go-Daigo
1333-1334 Princess Sachiko 祥子内親王 　 Emperor Go-Daigo

Notes
  1. http://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/saiku/p0048200012.htm
  2. Brown Delmer et al. (1979). Gukanshō, p. 253; Varley, H. Paul. (1980). Jinnō Shōtōki, pp. 95-96; Titsingh, Isaac. (1834). Annales des empereurs du japon, p. 10.
  3. The Deep Purple Story of Meiwa (紫紺の語り部) (Meiwa Town Office, 2003), p. 3.
  4. Brown, p. 253.
  5. Titsingh, p. 10.
  6. The Deep Purple Story of Meiwa, p. 9.
  7. Kyoto City Tourism and Culture Information Site: Nonomiya Shrine. Archived 2007-06-26 at Archive.today
  8. Kyoto City: Saigū Procession; Events, October 2006.
  9. Saiō Procession (Documentary movie, Saikū Historical Museum).
  10. The Deep Purple Story of Meiwa, p. 6.
  11. The Deep Purple Story of Meiwa, p. 5.
  12. Saikū Historical Museum, Meiwa, Mie: wall-display information table
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References
  • Brown, Delmer and Ichiro Ishida, eds. (1979). [ Jien, c.1220], Gukanshō; "The Future and the Past: a translation and study of the 'Gukanshō,' an interpretive history of Japan written in 1219" translated from the Japanese and edited by Delmer M. Brown & Ichirō Ishida. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-03460-0
  • Farris, William Wayne. (1999). "Sacred Texts and Buried Treasures: Issues in the Historical Archaeology of Ancient Japan," Monumenta Nipponica, Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 123–126.
  • Titsingh, Isaac. (1834). [Siyun-sai Rin-siyo/Hayashi Gahō, 1652]. Nipon o daï itsi ran; ou, Annales des empereurs du Japon. Paris: Oriental Translation Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
  • Varley, H. Paul , ed. (1980). [ Kitabatake Chikafusa, 1359], Jinnō Shōtōki ("A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa" translated by H. Paul Varley). New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-04940-4

See also

Media related to Saiō at Wikimedia Commons

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