Himiko (卑弥呼. c.175? - 248) is a queen ruler of what is called Yamataikoku probably either in Yamato province or in the North Kyushu in Japan. A few records are available and little is known about her.

According to an ancient Chinese history book, Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms, Himiko was a shaman who controlled the mind of people by her paranomal abilities. Nihonshoki, an old Japanese history book, notes that Himiko is actually Empress Jingu, the mother of Emperor Ojin, which however historians disagree with. Some speculate that she is conflated with Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess.

According to an ancient Korean history book, Samguk Sagi, Himiko as Queen of Japan sent embassador to King Adalla of Silla in May 172. If this record is true, records of Nihonshoki is edited on purpose to reflect Jingo over Himiko.

Himiko never married and it is recorded that her younger brother assisted her as a political advisor. She was said to have a thousand female servants and never appeared in public.

In circa, 188, Himiko ascended to paramountcy and in 248 she died.

The precise pronunciation of her name is unknown. Himiko is a standard reading for her name in kanji, which was written 卑彌呼 prior to 20th century kanji reform.