Mononobe clan

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The Mononobe clan (物部氏, Mononobe-shi^?) was a Japanese clan of the Yamato period, which is known for its military opposition to the Soga clan. The Mononobe were opposed to the spread of Buddhism, not on religious grounds, but more so as the result of feelings of nationalism and a degree of xenophobia. The Nakatomi family, ancestors of the Fujiwara, were allies with the Mononobe in this.

The Mononobe, like many other major families of the time, were something of a corporation or guild in addition to being a proper family by blood-relation. While the only members of the clan to appear in any significant way in the historical record were statemen, the clan as a whole was known as the Corporation of Arms or Armorers.

In the 6th century, a number of violent clashes erupted between the Mononobe and the Soga clan. One particularly important conflict occurred after the Emperor Yōmei died after a very short reign. Mononobe no Moriya, the head of the clan, supported one prince to succeed Yōmei, while Soga no Umako chose another. The conflict came to a head at the battle of Shigisen in the year 587, where the Mononobe clan were defeated and crushed, leaving few obstacles against the further spread of Buddhism into Japan.