NHK's program "Heroes' Choices," which spotlights heroes who made decisions that dramatically changed history, will air "The Empress of the Land of the Rising Sun: Empress Suiko's New National Strategy" on NHK BS at 9 PM on March 16th. The program will feature Empress Suiko, who ascended to the throne in 593 as the first female emperor in history.
Empress Suiko ascended to the throne in 593. The first female emperor in Japanese history came to power after a bloody power struggle. Learning from that bitter experience, Empress Suiko, together with her nephew Prince Shōtoku, put forward a new national strategy to unite the country. However, in a letter to the neighboring Sui dynasty, she angered Emperor Yang of Sui by referring to him as "the Son of Heaven of the land where the sun sets."
This book delves into the true character of the empress who, amidst a volatile crisis, brilliantly resolved the situation with her exceptional diplomatic skills, ushering in a new era for both Japan and China, and ultimately transforming ancient nations.
