Japan: Empress Gensho (683-748), 44th imperial ruler of Japan.

Empress Gensho (683-748), 44th imperial ruler of Japan. The daughter of Empress Gemmei, Gensho's reign spanned the years 715 through to 724. Under her reign, the Nihonshoki, the first Japanese history book, was completed in 720. Organisation of the law system was continued, and the taxation system, which had been introduced by Empress Jito in the late 7th century, was reformed to promote agricultural production. Gensho also encouraged the arts, letters and science, continuing the works of her mother. When her nephew reached the age of 25 she abdicated.