Empress Kogyoku (594-661); also known as Empress Saimei; 35th (as Empress Kogyoku) and 37th (as Empress Saimei) imperial ruler of Japan. A granddaughter of Prince Shotoku; who was regent in 593-621; she first married Yomei-Tenno (586-87) and then her uncle Jomei-Tenno (629-41); whom she succeeded. After his death 10 years later she re-ascended to the throne; and this time she did not allow herself to yield power. She subdued the Ebisu of Ezo; and in 661 she led a naval expedition to Paekche. She died on the way to rescue the Korean kingdoms of Koma and Kudara from Chinese attack.