Empress Sadako (June 25, 1884 - May 17, 1951) was married to the Taisho Emperor and was the mother of Emperor Hirohito. She was born in Tokyo

When she gave birth to Emperor Hirohito, she was the first wife of a Crown Prince or Emperor to do so since 1750. She became Empress when her husband ascended to the throne in 1912. She was a strong influence on imperial life and she was patron of Japan's Red Cross Society.

During World War II she openly objected to Japan's involvement, which caused disagreement with her son. She died at Omiya Palace in Tokyo, aged 66, and was buried at the imperial museum in Tokyo.