Empress Genshō (683 – May 22, 748) is the 44th monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.

Genshō's reign spans the years 715 through 724.

In the history of Japan, Genshō is the fifth of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant.

The four female monarchs before Genshō were: (a) Suiko, (b) Kōgyoku, (c) Jitō and (d) Gemmei.

The three women sovereigns reigning after Genshō are (e) Kōken, (f) Meishō, and (g) Go-Sakuramachi.

Genshō is the only Japanese empress regnant to inherit her title from another empress regnant, rather than a male predecessor.