Question: Who was Empress of Japan prior to Empress Michiko, the current Empress?
Sentence (from "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.
Relevant evidence: Yes