1872, Tokyo, Japan : HARUKO (1849 - 1914) Empress Consort of Emperor of Japan. She became engaged to Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912) on 2 September 1867 and she adopted the given name Haruko which was intended to reflect her diminutive size and serene beauty. Born Masako Ichijo she was the third daughter of Tadaka Ichijo, former Minister of the Left and head of the Ichijo branch of the Fujiwara clan. Her mother was a daughter of Prince Fushimi Kuniie. Empress Shoken also known as Empress Dowager Shoken Enthronement : from 11 January 1869 to 30 July 1912.