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Fujiwara no Yorinaga

Type Figure Region Japan Time 1120–1156 Also known as 藤原頼長、Fujiwara no Yorinaga

Fujiwara no Yorinaga (1120–1156) was a late-Heian courtier, son of Fujiwara no Tadazane, learned and literary, who served as Right Minister and was t…

Timeline

  1. 1120–1140Heian-kyō · Kyoto PrefectureYorinaga was a son of Kampaku Fujiwara no Tadazane, receiving an education in Chinese learning and Japanese classics from childhood and famed for his erudition. In his youth he held court posts such as kurōdo and Right Guard Assistant, gradually entering the inner circle of power.
  2. 1141–1155Heian-kyō · Kyoto PrefectureIn the 1140s Yorinaga successively served as Consultant, Major Counselor and Right Minister, becoming a leading court official. During this period he was close to retired Emperor Sutoku and opposed the political arrangements of the Go-Shirakawa faction; after Go-Shirakawa was made Crown Prince in 1142 factional opposition at court intensified.
  3. 1156Heian-kyō · Kyoto PrefectureIn July 1156 the Hōgen Disturbance broke out; Yorinaga raised troops on retired Emperor Sutoku's orders, allying with warriors such as Minamoto no Yoritaka against the Go-Shirakawa and Taira no Kiyomori camp. After the battle turned against him Yorinaga fled and was cut down by Minamoto no Yoshitomo near the Kamo River, at only thirty-seven.

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