Fujiwara no Yorimichi
Encyclopedia
son of Michinaga
, was a Japanese Court noble. He succeeded his father to the position of Sesshō
in 1017, and then went on to become Kampaku
from 1020 until 1068. In both these positions, he acted as Regent
to the Emperor
, as many of his ancestors and descendants did; the Fujiwara clan had nearly exclusive control over the regency positions for over 200 years.
Prior to succeeding to the position of Regent, Yorimichi had held the title of Nidaijin, the lowest level of state ministers. By edict, he was raised above his colleagues, to the title of Ichi no Hito, or First Subject. In addition to the reason of direct succession from his father, this edict was presumably necessary to allow Yorimichi to become Sesshō.
He is also known as the founder of Byodoin phoenix hall, located in Uji.
Marriages and children
Fujiwara no Michinaga
represents the highpoint of the Fujiwara regents' control over the government of Japan.-Early life:He was the fourth or fifth son of Fujiwara no Kaneie by his wife Tokihime, daughter of Fujiwara no Nakamasa...
, was a Japanese Court noble. He succeeded his father to the position of Sesshō
Sessho and Kampaku
In Japan, was a title given to a regent who was named to assist either a child emperor before his coming of age, or an empress. The was theoretically a sort of chief advisor for the emperor, but was the title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult emperor. During the Heian era,...
in 1017, and then went on to become Kampaku
Sessho and Kampaku
In Japan, was a title given to a regent who was named to assist either a child emperor before his coming of age, or an empress. The was theoretically a sort of chief advisor for the emperor, but was the title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult emperor. During the Heian era,...
from 1020 until 1068. In both these positions, he acted as Regent
Regent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
to the Emperor
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
, as many of his ancestors and descendants did; the Fujiwara clan had nearly exclusive control over the regency positions for over 200 years.
Prior to succeeding to the position of Regent, Yorimichi had held the title of Nidaijin, the lowest level of state ministers. By edict, he was raised above his colleagues, to the title of Ichi no Hito, or First Subject. In addition to the reason of direct succession from his father, this edict was presumably necessary to allow Yorimichi to become Sesshō.
He is also known as the founder of Byodoin phoenix hall, located in Uji.
Marriages and children
- Princess Takahime, daughter of Imperial Prince Tomohira (son of Emperor MurakamiEmperor Murakamiwas the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
) and Princess Nakahime; married 1009; no children, but they adopted 2 daughters:- Princess Genshi (Motoko), (1016–1039), daughter of Imperial prince Atsuyasu (eldest son of Emperor IchijoEmperor Ichijowas the 66th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 986 to 1011.-Traditional narrative:Before he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Kanehito-shinnō....
) and Princess Naka no Kimi (Takahime's younger sister); Empress of Emperor Go-SuzakuEmperor Go-Suzakuwas the 69th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 1036 through 1045.This 11th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Suzaku and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the... - Fujiwara no Kanshi (Hiroko), (1036–1121), daughter of Yorimichi by Fujiwara no Gishi
- Princess Genshi (Motoko), (1016–1039), daughter of Imperial prince Atsuyasu (eldest son of Emperor Ichijo
- A daughter of Minamoto no Norisada (a grandson of Emperor MurakamiEmperor Murakamiwas the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
):- Fujiwara no Michifusa (1024–1044)
- Fujiwara no Gishi (Masako), (died 1053) daughter of Fujiwara no Yorinari (a son of Imperial Prince Tomohira and Princess Nakahime, adopted by Fujiwara no Koresuke) and a daughter of Fujiwara no Korenori; she was then a niece of Princess Takahime:
- Priest Kakuen (1031–1098)
- Fujiwara no Kanshi (Hiroko), (1036–1121); adopted by Princess Takahime; Empress of Emperor Go-ReizeiEmperor Go-Reizeiwas the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor...
- Fujiwara no MorozaneFujiwara no MorozaneFujiwara no Morozane was a regent of Japan and a chief of the Fujiwara clan during the late Heian period. He was known as Kyōgoku dono or Go-Uji dono...
(1042–1101) - Fujiwara no Tadatsuna (died 1084)