Fujiwara no Kamatari

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Fujiwara no Kamatari (藤原鎌足, 614–669 A.D.) was the founder of the Fujiwara clan in Japan. His clan in birth was the Nakatomi. He was son of Nakatomi no Mikeko, and his name in birth was Nakatomi no Kamatari (中臣鎌足). He received the surname Fujiwara from Emperor Tenji just prior to dying.

He was a friend and supporter of the Prince Naka no Ōe, later Emperor Tenji. Kamatari was the head of the Jingi no Haku, or Shinto ritualists; as such, he was one of the chief opponents of the increasing power and prevalence of Buddhism in the court, and in the nation. As a result, in 645, Prince Naka no Ōe and Kamatari made a coup d'état in the court. They slew Soga no Iruka who had a strong influence over Empress Kōgyoku; thereafter, Iruka's father, Emishi, committed suicide.

Empress Kōgyoku was forced to abdicate in favor of her younger brother, who became Emperor Kōtoku; Kōtoku then appointed Kamatari naidaijin (Inner Minister). He then went on to help write the Taika Reforms, a major set of reforms based on Chinese models and aimed at strengthening Imperial power.

During his life Kamatari continued to support Prince Naka no Ōe, who became Emperor Tenji in 661. Tenji granted him the highest rank Taishokukan and a new clan name, Fujiwara, as honors.

His son was Fujiwara no Fuhito (or Fubito). Kamatari's nephew, Nakatomi no Omimaro became head of Ise Shrine, and passed down the Nakatomi name.