The Rise of the Fujiwara Family
During much of the Heian period, aristocrats were the political and cultural leaders of Japan. By the mid-9th century, the real power in the imperial court shifted from the emperor to aristocratic families. The most important of these noble families were the Fujiwara, who controlled Japan for nearly 300 years.
The Fujiwara were never actually rulers. The Japanese believed that the emperor’s family was descended from Japan’s sun goddess. This gave the royal family a special right to govern. But the Fujiwara had other ways of exercising power.
First, beginning in 858, the Fujiwara married many of their young daughters into the royal family. They also made sure that sons of Fujiwara royal wives were chosen to be emperors. Second, the Fujiwara acted as advisors to the emperor. In reality they had more power than the rulers they guided. They often coaxed older emperors to retire so that a child or youth could take the throne. Then the Fujiwara ruled as regents in the young emperor’s name.
The most successful Fujiwara leader was Fujiwara Michinaga, who led Japan from 995 to 1028. He never had an official role in the government. However, this smart, ambitious man had the respect of all around him. He was the father-in-law of four emperors and the grandfather of three more. He lived in great wealth and luxury. Michinaga rightly said, “This world, I think, is indeed my world.”
Michinaga is one of the best-known people in Japan’s history. During his time in power, the Fujiwara family became even richer. They built palaces, mansions, and temples. After Michinaga’s death, his son built a famous temple that came to be called Phoenix Hall. It likely earned this name because it was shaped like a bird in flight. Part of the temple still stands today as a beautiful reminder of Japan’s Golden Age.
The Fujiwara family used their power to better their own lives. However, they also kept peace in Japan for nearly three centuries. This peace helped Japanese culture blossom during the Heian period.
The Fujiwara were never actually rulers. The Japanese believed that the emperor’s family was descended from Japan’s sun goddess. This gave the royal family a special right to govern. But the Fujiwara had other ways of exercising power.
First, beginning in 858, the Fujiwara married many of their young daughters into the royal family. They also made sure that sons of Fujiwara royal wives were chosen to be emperors. Second, the Fujiwara acted as advisors to the emperor. In reality they had more power than the rulers they guided. They often coaxed older emperors to retire so that a child or youth could take the throne. Then the Fujiwara ruled as regents in the young emperor’s name.
The most successful Fujiwara leader was Fujiwara Michinaga, who led Japan from 995 to 1028. He never had an official role in the government. However, this smart, ambitious man had the respect of all around him. He was the father-in-law of four emperors and the grandfather of three more. He lived in great wealth and luxury. Michinaga rightly said, “This world, I think, is indeed my world.”
Michinaga is one of the best-known people in Japan’s history. During his time in power, the Fujiwara family became even richer. They built palaces, mansions, and temples. After Michinaga’s death, his son built a famous temple that came to be called Phoenix Hall. It likely earned this name because it was shaped like a bird in flight. Part of the temple still stands today as a beautiful reminder of Japan’s Golden Age.
The Fujiwara family used their power to better their own lives. However, they also kept peace in Japan for nearly three centuries. This peace helped Japanese culture blossom during the Heian period.
Room 2 Questions
1. How did you treat Fujiwara Michinaga? Why?
2. List two ways the Fujiwara family was able to exercise power despite not being the formal rulers of Japan.
3. Quickly sketch and label a drawing to illustrate an important idea about the Fujiwara family.
