Who was Empress of Japan prior to Empress Michiko, the current Empress?
Empress of Japan:  The current empress consort is Empress Michiko (7 January 1989 – ). Empress Michiko: Michiko (美智子 ) , born Michiko Shōda (正田美智子 , Shōda Michiko ) on 20 October 1934, is the Empress of Japan as the wife of Akihito, the current Emperor of Japan reigning from 7 January 1989. Empress Michiko:  She succeeded her mother-in-law, Empress Nagako (Kōjun), consort of Emperor Hirohito (Shōwa).
Empress Nagako