Empress Gemmei (or Gemmyo 元明天皇) was the 43rd imperial ruler of Japan and the fourth woman to rule in that capacity.

In 708 she moved the capital city of Japan from Fujiwara to Heijo-Kyo, west of the modern city of Nara, thus giving the Nara period of Japanese history its name.

Lived 661-722
Reigned 707-715

Preceded by:
Mommu
Emperor of Japan Succeeded by:
Gensho