Otani Kazuko (Higashi Honganji)

Kazuko Otani (born January 19, 1830 (Bunka 12, December 25) – June 4, 1884 (Meiji 17, June 4)) was a member of the Japanese Imperial family and a noble lady. Her former name was Queen Kazuko, and her childhood name was Kae-no-miya (later Kaeshi-no-miya).

She was born as the fourth daughter of Prince Fushimi Kuniie, and belonged to the Fushimi-no-miya family in Kyoto. Her birth date was December 25, Bunka 12 (1830 in the Gregorian calendar). Specific records about her place of birth are unknown. Her mother was Princess Takatsukasa Kiyoko (biological mother through her adoptive mother Chie Fuyuyama), and her father was Prince Fushimi Kuniie.

Her siblings included Prince Akihiro, Prince Karo, Prince Joni, Prince Asahiko, Prince Sadaka, Prince Shoni, Prince Nosu, Prince Hakuyō, Prince Tomonari, Prince Sadai, and Prince Jōnin.

Her childhood name was Kae-no-miya, later renamed Kaeshi-no-miya.

On December 16, 1848, she married Kenjo Gennō (Gennin, the 21st head priest of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple). Gennō Otani was a descendant of Shinran, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, and served as the head priest of Higashi Hongan-ji. Through her marriage, she gained noble status and was also active behind the scenes at Higashi Hongan-ji.

After her marriage, she had multiple children, with records specifically mentioning Otani Kōei and Otani Katsunobu.

Kazuko Otani died on June 4, 1884, at the age of 54 (55 years old by age reckoning).

Her family included her father Prince Fushimi Kuniie, her mother Princess Takatsukasa Kiyoko, numerous brothers and sisters, and with her husband Otani Gennō, she had children.