She was the daughter of Emperor Shirakawa and Fujiwara no Kenshi (1057–1084). Her father abdicated in favor of her brother in 1087. In 1107, her brother Emperor Horikawa died and was succeeded by her four-year-old nephew, Emperor Toba. She was appointed to serve ceremoniously as the empress of her nephew in 1108.
Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD1 individuals that were given the title of empress posthumously
2 individuals elevated to the rank of empress due to their position as honorary mother of the emperor
3 Shōshi served briefly as honorary empress for her younger brother Emperor Go-Daigo