Emperor Jito was the 40th emperor of Japan, reigning from 686 to 697 AD. He is known for being the first female emperor in Japanese history, although her reign was officially recognized posthumously. Jito was the granddaughter of Emperor Tenji and the wife of Emperor Monmu, and she played a significant role in the early development of the Japanese imperial system. During her reign, Emperor Jito focused on consolidating power and promoting agricultural development. She is also associated with the establishment of the Taihō Code, which helped to organize the government and legal system in Japan. Her leadership contributed to the stability and growth of the early Japanese state.