# Empress Kōken - Empress regnant

URL: https://history-japan.com/rulers/empress-koken
Reign: 749 – 758
Dynasty: Imperial House of Japan
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Kōken

Kōken presided over the dedication of the Great Buddha in 752. She later returned to the throne as Empress Shōtoku.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Emperor Shōmu](https://history-japan.com/rulers/emperor-shomu)
- Succeeded by: [Emperor Kanmu](https://history-japan.com/rulers/emperor-kanmu)

## Timeline events during this reign
- 752 - [Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji is dedicated](https://history-japan.com/timeline/752-great-buddha-of-todai-ji-is-dedicated)