Rise of Fujiwara Power in Early Nara Court
Political Intrigue and Buddhist Alliances
Yesterday’s article explored the intense power struggles among ancient clans at the imperial court, essential to understanding the intriguing rise of aristocracy during Japan’s Heian period. Given the common perception of modern Japan as a relatively stable country, readers might have been surprised to discover how deeply this era of turmoil contributed to the golden age of the nobility. Today, we delve even deeper, exploring a time marked by intricate political intrigue intertwined with Buddhism.
As previously discussed, the direct catalyst for the rise of the Nakatomi clan was Nakatomi no Kamatari (中臣鎌足), who played a crucial role alongside Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) in the major political coup known as the Taika Reforms of 645. In recognition of his contributions, Emperor Tenji granted Kamatari the surname Fujiwara (藤原). However, after Kamatari’s death, another coup brought Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇) to power. Kamatari’s son was still young at this turbulent time, thus narrowly avoiding severe political repercussions and beginning his career as a minor official, inadvertently ensuring the Fujiwara clan’s survival. This scenario set the stage for Fujiwara no Fuhito (藤原不比等, 659–720), who would later define the clan’s golden era, marking another significant historical turning point.
In 684, Emperor Tenmu (reign: 673–686) strengthened central authority by implementing the Yakusa no Kabane system (八色の姓), which clearly distinguished clan ranks and statuses. The Nakatomi lineage, who had begun to adopt the Fujiwara name during Emperor Tenji’s rule, was permitted to continue using it. By 698, during the reign of Emperor Monmu (文武天皇, reign: 697–707), Fujiwara no Fuhito’s rising influence allowed him to successfully lobby the emperor to issue an edict, formalizing that only Fuhito’s lineage could inherit the Fujiwara surname officially. Consequently, relatives such as Kamatari’s brother, Fujiwara no Omimaro, were prohibited from using the Fujiwara surname and reverted to their original Nakatomi name, focusing exclusively on religious duties. This policy effectively solidified political power exclusively within Fuhito’s lineage, clearly separating political and religious roles within the clan.