However, the successor to the throne was not officially decided, and two months later, she was asked by the vassals and temporarily occupied the throne as Emperor Genmei until Obito no Miko (Prince Obito) become old enough to succeed to the throne.
だが、後継は定まらず、2ヵ月後に諸臣の要請を受けて首皇子成人までの中継ぎとして元明天皇として即位した。