Fujiwara no Hidesato

Fujiwara no Hidesato depicted in an 1890 print by Yoshitoshi.
In this Japanese name, the family name is "Fujiwara".

Fujiwara no Hidesato (藤原 秀郷) was a kuge (court bureaucrat) of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Ōshū branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yūki, Oyama, and Shimokōbe families.

Hidesato served under Emperor Suzaku, and fought alongside Taira no Sadamori in 940 in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado. His prayer for victory before this battle is commemorated in the Kachiya Festival. Hidesato was then appointed Chinjufu-shogun (Defender of the North) and Governor of Shimotsuke Province.

Hidesato, also called Tawara no Tota, is a popular figure in the Japanese legend, such as "Tawara no Tota Conquering the Giant Centipede on Mount Mikami".

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