She was a daughter of Emperor Tenji and Lady Shikobuko, whose father was Oshimi no Miyakko Otatsu.
When she reached the age suitable for marriage, she could not marry because there were no appropriate men among Emperor Tenmu's sons.
After Prince Kawashima and Princess Ōe died several years later, she was completely isolated.
She was selected by divination as the Saiō in 701 when she was in her thirties, because the Saio of that year, Princess Taki, was suddenly dismissed.
In principle, a newly selected Saio was supposed to make preparation by staying in the Abstinence-house near the capital for two years prior to going to Ise.