mid-Heian period · ?–996Takashina no Takako

A mid-Heian woman poet, daughter of Takashina no Naritada, who served Emperor En'yū as a lady-in-waiting celebrated for her Chinese learning. She became the principal wife of the regent Fujiwara no Michitaka and mother of Korechika, Takaie and Empress Teishi; her Hyakunin Isshu title refers to Korechika's rank. After Michitaka's death she died amid the downfall of her family and the exile of her sons. Her poem, sent when Michitaka first vowed never to forget her, wishes to die on that very day, while the vow is still fresh.