Kujō family

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The Kujō family (九条家 Kujō-ke) was a Japanese noble family and a branch of the Fujiwara clan derived from Fujiwara no Tadamichi. They were counted as one of the Sekke, the five regent houses and therefore one of the most politically powerful families among the kuge (court officials).

As one of the Sekke, the five regent houses, the Kujō clan monopolized the offices of Sessho and Kampaku along with the Konoe, Takatsukasa, Nijo and Ichijo clans from the 12th century until 1867. With the exception of Tokugawa Masako, wife of the Emperor Mizunoo, all Empresses of that long period were of the clans that formed the Sekke or from branches if imperial family itself.

In addition, the Nijo and Ichijo families derived from the Kujō family.

The clan was founded by Fujiwara no Kanezane (1149-1207), at the recommendation of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The fourth and fifth Shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Kujō Yoritsune and Kujō Yoritsugu, came from this clan.

Some sources claim the clan was founded by Fujiwara no Morosuke (908-960).

The Kujō family were sponsors of the Kitano Shrine.

In 1219, Kujō Michiie (1191-1252) offered "Kitano Tenjin Engi Emaki" (Illustrated Scroll of the History of the Kitano Shrine) to the Kitano shrine.

After the Meiji Restoration, members of the Kujō clan were given the title Duke.