Who was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, and during which historical period did he live?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was a Japanese statesman, courtier, and politician who lived during the Heian period. This era in Japanese history, roughly from 794 to 1185, was a time of significant cultural and political development.

What were Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's birth and death dates?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was born in 804 and died on October 7, 872.

Besides his formal name, what other titles or names was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa known by?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was also known by the names Somedono no Daijin and Shirakawa-dono. These likely referred to residences or significant positions he held.

What significant role did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa assume in relation to Emperor Seiwa?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa assumed the role of regent (sesshō) for Emperor Seiwa when the emperor was young. A regent is a person appointed to administer a state because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated.

What made Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's appointment as regent historically significant?

Yoshifusa's appointment as regent was historically significant because he was the first person to hold this position who was not of imperial rank. He was also the first in a line of regents from the powerful Fujiwara clan.

During the reigns of which emperors did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa serve as a minister?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa served as a minister during the reigns of Emperor Ninmyō, Emperor Montoku, and Emperor Seiwa. These were all emperors of Japan during the Heian period.

What was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's earliest recorded government position and when did he attain it?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's earliest recorded government position was Sangi, which he attained in 834 during the Jōwa era. A Sangi was a type of councilor in ancient Japan.

Trace Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's progression through high court ranks, starting from Sangi.

Yoshifusa progressed from Sangi in 834 to Gon-no-Chūnagon in 835, Chūnagon in 840, Dainagon in 842, Udaijin in 848, and finally Daijō Daijin in 857. These titles represent increasing levels of responsibility and prestige within the imperial court.

When did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa officially become Sesshō, and for which emperor?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa became Sesshō for Emperor Seiwa on the seventh day of the eleventh month of 858, during the Ten'an era. This marked a crucial step in the Fujiwara clan's rise to power.

At what age and on what date did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa pass away?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa died on October 7, 872, at the age of 69.

What long-term political strategy did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa conceive, and who was responsible for its execution?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa conceived a program of installing boy-sovereigns, which would allow Fujiwara regents to wield significant power. His adopted son, Mototsune, was responsible for carrying out these plans.

Who was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's father?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's father was Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. Fuyutsugu was also a prominent figure in the Fujiwara clan.

Name Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's brothers mentioned in the text.

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's brothers were Fujiwara no Nagayoshi, Fujiwara no Yoshisuke, and Fujiwara no Yoshikado. These familial connections were important within the clan's structure.

Who was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's wife, and what was her lineage?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was married to Minamoto no Kiyohime, who was the daughter of Emperor Saga. This marriage connected the Fujiwara clan to the imperial family.

Did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa have any sons?

The provided text states that Fujiwara no Yoshifusa and his wife Minamoto no Kiyohime had only one daughter. However, he did adopt his brother Nagara's third son, Mototsune.

Who was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's adopted son, and what significant positions did he hold?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa adopted his nephew, Fujiwara no Mototsune (836–891). Mototsune later served as Daijō Daijin and Kampaku, continuing Yoshifusa's political legacy.

What was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's posthumous title?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's posthumous title was Daijō Daijin, and he was also referred to as Chūjin Kō. Receiving such a high posthumous title indicates his importance in Japanese history.

What was the name of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's only daughter, and who did she marry?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's only daughter was named Akirakeiko, also known as Meishi. She became a consort to Emperor Montoku.

What is the term used to refer to the line of Fujiwara clan members who served as regents?

The term used is Fujiwara Regents. This refers to a significant period where the Fujiwara clan dominated Japanese politics through regency.

What is the "Shoku Nihon Kōki," and what was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's connection to it?

The Shoku Nihon Kōki is one of the Six National Histories of Japan. Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was involved in its editing. These histories provide crucial records of Japan's early imperial government.

According to the Fujiwara family tree, who was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's father?

According to the Fujiwara family tree, Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's father was Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. This places Yoshifusa within a specific lineage of the clan.

Which branch of the Fujiwara clan did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa belong to, as indicated by the family tree?

The family tree shows Fujiwara no Yoshifusa as a descendant leading to the Nanke and Hokke branches, specifically highlighting his role in their development. These branches became the most prominent lineages within the Fujiwara clan.

Who is listed as Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's son in the provided family tree?

The family tree lists Fujiwara no Mototsune as Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's son. Mototsune was Yoshifusa's adopted son and a key figure in continuing the clan's influence.

During which historical period is Fujiwara no Yoshifusa listed as a Sesshō?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa is listed as a Sesshō during the Heian period. The Heian period was a time when the Fujiwara clan held significant political power through regency.

Besides Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, who are other notable Sesshō mentioned from the Heian period in the provided list?

Other notable Sesshō from the Heian period mentioned are Fujiwara no Mototsune, Fujiwara no Tokihira, Fujiwara no Tadahira, Fujiwara no Saneyori, Fujiwara no Koretada, Fujiwara no Kaneie, Fujiwara no Michitaka, Fujiwara no Michinaga, Fujiwara no Yorimichi, Fujiwara no Morozane, Fujiwara no Tadazane, Fujiwara no Tadamichi, Konoe Motozane, Fujiwara no Motofusa, and Konoe Motomichi. This highlights the dominance of the Fujiwara clan in this role.

When did Fujiwara no Yoshifusa hold the position of Daijō-daijin?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa held the position of Daijō-daijin in 857. This was the highest ministerial post in the Japanese government.

Was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa the first minister to be promoted to Daijō-daijin, or was this office previously held by others?

The text notes that Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was the first minister to be promoted to Daijō-daijin, an office previously filled only by Imperial Princes. This indicates a significant shift in political power dynamics.

Who are some other prominent figures listed as Daijō-daijin from the Heian period in the provided navbox?

Other prominent figures listed as Daijō-daijin from the Heian period include Fujiwara no Mototsune, Fujiwara no Tadahira, Fujiwara no Saneyori, Fujiwara no Koretada, Fujiwara no Kanemichi, Fujiwara no Yoritada, Fujiwara no Kaneie, Fujiwara no Michinaga, Fujiwara no Yorimichi, Fujiwara no Norimichi, Fujiwara no Morozane, and Fujiwara no Tadazane. This demonstrates the long-standing influence of the Fujiwara clan in this high office.

What does the image caption describe?

The image caption describes a portrait of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa created by Kikuchi Yōsai. Kikuchi Yōsai was a notable Japanese painter known for his historical portraits.

What was Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's overall significance in Japanese history during the Heian period?

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa was a key figure in the Heian period, serving as a minister and notably as the first regent (sesshō) not of imperial rank. His actions and the political strategies he initiated significantly shaped the Fujiwara clan's rise to power and influence over the imperial court.

What does the term "sesshō" mean in the context of Japanese history?

Sesshō is a Japanese term for a regent, a person appointed to administer a state because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated. Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's role as sesshō highlights the power wielded by regents during certain periods.

What is the significance of the Fujiwara clan in Japanese history, as suggested by the provided text and navboxes?

The Fujiwara clan was a powerful aristocratic family that dominated Japanese politics for centuries, particularly during the Heian period. The navboxes show numerous members holding high offices like Sesshō and Daijō-daijin, demonstrating their pervasive influence.

What does the presence of multiple Fujiwara family members in the "Sesshō" and "Daijō-daijin" navboxes indicate about the clan's influence?

The frequent appearance of Fujiwara family members in these high-ranking positions across different periods, especially the Heian period, indicates the clan's immense and sustained political power and dominance within the Japanese imperial court system.

What is the "Fujiwara family tree" navbox illustrating?

The "Fujiwara family tree" navbox illustrates the lineage and branching of the prominent Fujiwara clan, showing key ancestors and descendants, including the development of major branches like Nanke and Hokke. This visual representation helps understand the complex relationships within the clan.

What does the "Authority control databases" section provide information about?

The "Authority control databases" section provides links to various international and national databases (like ISNI, VIAF, LCCN, NDL) where information about Fujiwara no Yoshifusa can be found and verified. These databases help standardize and catalog information about individuals.

What was Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu's relationship to Fujiwara no Yoshifusa?

Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu was the father of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. Fuyutsugu was a significant figure in the Fujiwara clan's history.

What is the significance of the marriage between Fujiwara no Yoshifusa and Minamoto no Kiyohime?

The marriage of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa to Minamoto no Kiyohime, the daughter of Emperor Saga, was significant as it created a direct link between the Fujiwara clan and the imperial family, strengthening the clan's political position.

What role did Fujiwara no Mototsune play in relation to Fujiwara no Yoshifusa's political strategy?

Fujiwara no Mototsune, Yoshifusa's adopted son, was instrumental in executing Yoshifusa's conceived program of installing boy-sovereigns, thereby continuing and solidifying the Fujiwara clan's influence through regency.

What does the term "Daijō Daijin" signify in the context of Japanese government?

Daijō Daijin was the highest ministerial post in the ancient Japanese government, often translated as Chancellor or Grand Minister. Holding this position, as Yoshifusa did, signified immense political power.

How did the Fujiwara clan's structure evolve by the 13th century, according to the provided family tree information?

By the 13th century, the main line of the Fujiwara family had split into five distinct regent houses: the Kujō, Nijō, and Ichijō (descendants of Kanezane), and the Konoe and Takatsukasa (descendants of Motozane). This diversification reflects the clan's enduring influence and internal organization.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control" section on Wikipedia pages like this one?

The "Authority control" section provides links to standardized databases that catalog information about individuals, ensuring consistency and aiding in research by connecting the subject to verified records across different systems.

Fujiwara No Yoshifusa Wiki: The Architect of Regency: Fujiwara no Yoshifusa

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Foundational Influence

Statesman of the Heian Era

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (804 – October 7, 872) was a distinguished Japanese statesman, courtier, and politician during the influential Heian period. His career marked a significant shift in the political landscape, laying the groundwork for the Fujiwara clan's enduring dominance.

The First Non-Imperial Regent

Yoshifusa achieved a monumental position in Japanese history by becoming the first individual to hold the title of sesshō (Regent) without possessing imperial lineage. This appointment to govern on behalf of his young grandson, Emperor Seiwa, established a precedent for Fujiwara family members to wield supreme authority.

Architect of Political Stability

His tenure as Regent was instrumental in navigating the complexities of the imperial court and consolidating Fujiwara influence. Yoshifusa's strategic acumen and political maneuvering ensured a period of relative stability, solidifying the clan's power base for generations to come.

Ascension Through Service

A Steadfast Rise

Yoshifusa's career was characterized by a consistent progression through the ranks of the imperial bureaucracy, demonstrating his competence and the trust placed in him by successive emperors.

Key appointments and roles held by Fujiwara no Yoshifusa:

834: Appointed Sangi (Councillor).
835: Promoted to Gon-no-Chūnagon (Provisional Middle Councillor).
840: Became Chūnagon (Middle Councillor).
842: Elevated to Dainagon (Great Councillor).
848: Appointed Udaijin (Minister of the Right).
857: Achieved the prestigious position of Daijō Daijin (Chancellor).
858: Assumed the role of Sesshō (Regent) for Emperor Seiwa.

Yoshifusa passed away on October 7, 872, at the age of 69, having significantly shaped the political landscape.

Patriarch of Power

Key Family Connections

Yoshifusa's strategic marriages and familial ties were crucial to his political success and the consolidation of Fujiwara power. His lineage directly influenced the imperial succession and the administration of the state.

Parentage and Siblings:

Son of: Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu (775–826), a prominent statesman.
Brothers: Fujiwara no Nagayoshi, Fujiwara no Yoshisuke, and Fujiwara no Yoshikado.

Marriage and Descendants:

Married: Minamoto no Kiyohime, daughter of Emperor Saga.
Daughter: Akirakeiko (also known as Meishi), who became a consort to Emperor Montoku.

Adopted Heir:

Adopted Son: Fujiwara no Mototsune (836–891), who succeeded Yoshifusa in influence and later held the positions of Daijō Daijin and Kampaku, continuing the family's political ascent.

Enduring Influence

Shaping the Regency System

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa is credited with conceptualizing and initiating the strategy of placing young emperors under the regency of Fujiwara clan members. This policy, meticulously executed by his adopted son Mototsune, fundamentally altered the structure of Japanese governance, establishing the Fujiwara regency as a dominant political force for centuries.

Historical Documentation

Yoshifusa's involvement extended to scholarly pursuits, as he edited Shoku Nihon Kōki, one of the esteemed Six National Histories of Japan. This demonstrates his commitment not only to political power but also to the preservation and shaping of historical narrative.

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References

Titsingh, p. 120., p. 120, at Google Books.

Brinkley, p. 237., p. 237, at Google Books

Brinkley, p. 203., p. 203, at Google Books

Titsingh, p. 114., p. 114, at Google Books

http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~sg2h-ymst/hamanari.html

A full list of references for this article are available at the Fujiwara no Yoshifusa Wikipedia page

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This is not historical or political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, consultation, or academic analysis. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians or academics for specific research needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Fujiwara no Yoshifusa

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Foundational Influence 👑

🏛️ Statesman of the Heian Era

📜 The First Non-Imperial Regent

⚖️ Architect of Political Stability

Ascension Through Service ➡️

📈 A Steadfast Rise

Patriarch of Power 🌸

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Key Family Connections

Enduring Influence 🏛️

⭐ Shaping the Regency System

📚 Historical Documentation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundational Influence

Statesman of the Heian Era

The First Non-Imperial Regent

Architect of Political Stability

Ascension Through Service

A Steadfast Rise

Patriarch of Power

Key Family Connections

Enduring Influence

Shaping the Regency System

Historical Documentation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice