Japan - Fujiwara culture (900-1199)

The history of Japan is vast and multifaceted. Today we will talk about four great families who at one time had enormous influence in the Land of the Rising Sun. They were the real arbiters of destinies, of which a lot of evidence has been preserved.

By the way, have you ever thought about who your ancestors were? Finding out your ancestry is now easier than ever. You just need to set this goal for yourself and familiarize yourself with the archival documentation or order a detailed pedigree from a company specializing in this type of service.

But let's return to the four families that controlled Japan, looking at each in more detail.

Minamoto clan

Minamoto or, as they were also called, Genji, is a clan whose first representatives were the children of the emperor. However, fate decreed that they were denied the status of princes, as a result of which the imperial descendants turned into ordinary subjects.

Initially, the Minamoto clan was an aristocratic family whose opinion could not be ignored. But over time they were reborn as samurai. This is due to the fact that the family regularly carried out military orders from the capital’s government.

Minamoto is the largest of the ancient clans of Japan. From him comes 21 branches of direct descendants.

Rod Tyra

The history of this clan begins with Prince Katsurawara, who had several illegitimate children. Their descendants eventually formed this family.

The same can be said about Taira as about Minamoto. It is not surprising that these two families waged a fierce struggle among themselves for influence. Its result was the battle in Dannoura Bay, where the Tyra suffered a crushing defeat, after which the clan quickly fell into decline.

Tachibana clan

The Tachibana are the descendants of Prince Naniwa-o. Interestingly, there is a samurai clan of the same name, which has nothing to do with this family.

Like all great families, the Tachibana craved power. And they decided to focus on control over court politics, being remembered for the fact that they did not shy away from any of the methods of fighting competitors. Often violent methods were used, and sometimes it came to global conflicts.

Family tree

Main article: Fujiwara bloodline

• In the 13th century, the main line of the Fujiwara family split into the "Five Regency Houses": Kujo, Nij and Ichijo (descendants of Kanezane); as well as Konoe and Takatsukasa (descendants of Motozane). To view the complete family tree, visit Fujiwara Family Tree.

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Fujiwara family

This is the only clan whose founder was not a descendant of the emperor. At the origins of the Fujiwara family was Nakatomi no Kamako, a politician of the Asuka period.

The progenitor of the clan is known for having managed to organize a conspiracy against a ruler he disliked, but at the same time almost omnipotent. Symbolically, it was Fujiwara who subsequently occupied leading roles in Japanese politics. Their influence on the country was expressed in lobbying for a variety of initiatives, including starting/ending wars.

When the Meiji Restoration began, all Japanese were instructed to take surnames. And many decided to include in their composition the hieroglyph, which was the first kanji for the name of the Fujiwara clan. Thus, it contains the most popular surname in the Land of the Rising Sun - Sato. This once again emphasizes the greatness of this family.

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Biography of Kamatari

1. Birth in the Fujiwara estate

The Internal Minister's lifetime name[292] is Kamatari, and his childhood name is Cho:ro:[293]. Originally from Takechi County, Yamato Province. His ancestor is the deity Ame no Koyane no Mikoto[294]. From generation to generation, [his ancestors] were in charge of holding festivals in honor of Heavenly and Earthly [deities] and maintaining harmony between people and gods. Therefore, the family was given the name Oonakatomi[295].

[Kamatari] was the eldest son of the minister [Nakatomi no] Mikeko[296]. His mother's name was Ootomo no Ootoji.[297]

Oomi[298] was born in the 34th year of the reign of Empress Toyomike [Suiko][299] [626] in the year of Kinoe no Inu[300] in the Fujiwara estate.

When oomi[301] was still in his mother's womb, [his] crying was heard outside. [The baby] was born at twelve months old. His maternal aunt told his father: “Your child has been in [his mother’s] womb longer than he should have. This is an unusual child, he is undoubtedly endowed with wonderful abilities.” The father was surprised that the birth went without difficulties, and the boy was unexpectedly born so easily.

2. Kamatari's character

Oomi had humanity and filial piety. He was gifted and wise, he saw [the world] deeply and far. From an early age he loved learning and read many books. He constantly read Tai Gong's Liu Tao[302] and could recite [this work] by heart. He was an outstanding and sophisticated man. [His] manners and appearance were excellent. Those looking at him from the front bowed before him, those looking at him from behind fell on their faces. People said: “The master is always accompanied by two courageous and noble men.” Hearing such speeches, the minister did not become arrogant. [He] followed the knowledgeable people with his heart. His fame grew day by day.

3. A person of outstanding spiritual qualities and knowledge

Enjoying the favor of [the empress] Soga no Kuratsukuri[303], he personally disposed of rewards and punishments and surpassed [the] empress in his power. [Even] when he cursed while giving orders, no one dared to disobey.

However, when meeting with oomi, [Soga] was involuntarily respectful to him, each time recognizing [his] worthlessness in his soul. One day, the children of the dignitaries, [gathered] together at the monk Ming[304], read the I Ching. When Oomi entered belatedly, Kuratsukuri stood up and greeted him as an equal. Sitting down, he winked at Monk Ming to finish [the class].

Then [Min] said to oomi: “I cannot compare with the eldest son of Soga who came to me. However, you, sir, are a man of [such] outstanding spiritual qualities and knowledge that you truly surpass Sog. I beg you, take care of yourself.”[305]

4. Decline of the Imperial House

At the beginning of the reign of Emperor Okamoto [Jomei][306], when children from noble families were granted the rank of kin, [Kamatari] was appointed hereditarily to perform rituals [to the gods of Heaven and Earth]. He firmly refused and left on business in Mishima[307]. In solitude, he strengthened and improved his natural properties. Soon Emperor Okamoto died. The sovereign's wife [Ko:gyoku] ascended the throne. The empress did not touch the affairs of government, and the imperial house began to decline. Oomi was secretly indignant.

5. Prince Karoo [308]

At this time, Prince Karu's leg hurt and he did not come to court. Oomi had long been friends with the prince. So he visited the prince in his palace and waited on him at night. They talked all night long, forgetting about fatigue. Prince Karu, knowing that [Kamatari] was a man of great and far-reaching plans, surpassing everyone in wisdom, showed him all kinds of honors. He ordered his beloved wife to serve him day and night. The room [allotted to Kamatari], the drink and the food were all exceptional. Oomi, touched by the favors shown to him, quietly said to Toneri, who was close [to the prince]: “Such a cordial welcome shown to me exceeds my expectations. Isn’t your master destined to become a sovereign?!” The noble man told the truth, and soon this was destined to come true. Toneri conveyed [Kamatari's] words to the prince. The prince was very happy.

However, the prince’s virtues were not enough to realize his great plans.

6. Naka no Oe

[Kamatari] again and again discussed the choice of a sovereign among the princes. Only Naka no Oe was an outstanding person and had great plans; he was able to pacify the turmoil. But [Kamatari] did not have the opportunity to visit [him]. [One day] they met by chance in the garden, where they were playing mari[309]. Naka no Oe dropped his leather shoe along with the ball. Oomi picked up the shoe and presented it respectfully. Naka no Oe politely accepted. From that time on, friendship and complete agreement arose between them.

7. The Extermination of Yamashiro no Ooe

In the 10th moon of the 2nd year of the reign of Empress Noti no Okamoto [Ko:gyoku][310], in the year of Mizunto no u [642], Soga no Iruka, together with the princes[311], plotted to destroy the crown prince Kamitsumiya, Yamashiro no Ooe and others like them.

[Soga no Iruka] said: “Yamashiro no Ooe was born in my house[312] . The fame of his lofty virtues and beneficent power spread far and wide. When Emperor Okamoto [Jomei] handed over the [highest] throne, all the dignitaries said: “There are differences between uncle and nephew.” Moreover, his resentment for the murder of Sakaibe no Omi Marise[313] runs deep. Now that the sovereign has died and the throne has been transferred to the empress-wife, [his] heart is probably restless. Doesn't this lead to confusion? For the good of the state, one should not indulge one’s own nephew.”[314]

All the princes agreed. But they agreed, fearing that they would harm themselves by disagreeing.

Some time later, Yamashiro no Ooe [and others like him] were exterminated in the Ikaruga Temple. Those who knew about this were saddened.

Father [Soga no Iruka] Toyura no Omi[315] became angry and said: “What a fool you are, Kuratsukuri! What have you done?! [Now] your family will inevitably perish.”

They become sad when they cannot overcome themselves. Kuratsukuri believed: “Having removed a [stuck] fish bone, one does not feel regret.”

The Han Dynasty was pacified and glorified gradually; the ferocity and debauchery of Dong Zhuo had already occurred in [our] country.

8. Marriage

Then Naka no Ooe said to Oomi: “The sovereign rules with the help of high dignitaries, the tripod[317] of Zhou[318] passed into the hands of the Ji family[319]. What to do, sir? I ask you to tell us about your great plans.”

Oomi spoke in detail about [his] plans to eliminate the turmoil and restore order. Naka-no Ooe rejoiced and said: “Truly I will [serve you like] Tzu Fan [320].”

Oomi sought to gain the support of a powerful house. He secretly sought out those who had differences with Kuratsukuri, and learned that Yamada no Omi[321] and Kuratsukuri hated each other. [He] said to Naka no Ooe: “Yamada no Omi is considered strong and brave, his power and glory are great. If we involve him in our plans, we will certainly be able to carry out our plans. But first I ask you to enter into marriage relations [with his house]. After that, we will reveal to him [our] cherished plans.” Naka no Ooe followed this. Then they wooed a girl from the house of Yamada no Omi. Yamada no Omi gave his consent.

9. [Yamada no Omi] proposes his youngest daughter

When spring came and new carts headed [to the bride's house], the younger brother [Yamada no Omi named] Musashi kidnapped the girl. Yamada no Omi was confused and grieving. [He] didn't know what to do. His youngest daughter, seeing her father’s grief, asked: “Why are you so sad?” Her father told her. The youngest daughter said: “Although I am not like Xi Shi in appearance[322], but in soul I am like Mom[323]. Please, offer me." Her father was very happy and proposed his youngest daughter.

Naka no Ooe was angry at Musashi's disrespect and ordered his execution. Oomi, exhorting, said: “Since [you] put in order the great affairs of the Celestial Empire, is it worth getting angry over a minor offense in the house?” Then Naka no Ooe canceled [the command][324].

10. Development of a joint plan [325]

Oomi [Kamatari], slowly talking with Yamada no Omi, said: “The eldest son [Soga][326] is wayward, and people and gods blame [him]. The family of the one who accomplices the villain will certainly suffer misfortune and death. You [should] think carefully about this.” Yamada no Omi said: “I have already thought about it. I respectfully join the prince." Then [they] began to work out a plan [of action] together. [They] wanted to raise troops. Naka-no Ooe said: “[I] would like to frankly report [everything to the empress], but I am afraid whether [then] it will be possible to carry out my plans. If I don’t report and remain silent, I’m afraid of scaring the Empress. What is the true duty of a subject? You dignitaries[327], give me your opinion.”

Oomi replied: “The business of a subject is loyalty and filial piety. The path of devotion and filial piety is to keep the country intact and elevate [one’s] family. When the subjects are dissolute, the sovereign's institutions fall into decay, the great foundation is destroyed. There is no greater disrespect and lack of devotion than [condoning] this.”

Naka no Ooe said: “My success and my failure depend on you. You have to try."

Then oomi said to Saeki no Muradzi Komaro[328] and Wakainukai no Muradji Amita[329]: “[You] are brave and strong, [you] are able to lift the tripod[330] . Only you two can be entrusted with [the implementation of] great plans.” They joined Naka no Ooe.

11. Plot to kill Iruka

In the 4th year of the reign of Empress Noti no Okamoto [Kogyoku], in the year of Kinoto no Mi [645], in the summer, on the 6th moon, Naka no Ooe pretended to read to the Empress [a message] from three Korean states. The people of that time believed it. Then Yamada no Omi said: “I propose, taking advantage of the reading [to the empress] of the message of the three Korean states, to kill Iruka.” Yamada no Omi was given permission to do this. A plan was immediately hatched.

12. Iruka's invitation [to the empress]

On the day of Tsuchinoe no Saru, the empress was in the palace. [She] was served by Furuhito no Ooe. Soon Toneri was invited by Iruka. Iruka stood up and began to put on his shoes, but dropped them three times and could not put them on. Iruka was scared by this, [he] was confused and wanted to go back. Toneri persistently invited him. It was impossible to refuse to go.

Oomi had long known that Iruka was very suspicious and carried a sword with him day and night, and in advance ordered the dancers to use a trick and unhook [their swords]. Iruka laughed and [also] unhooked his sword. Then he entered and took his place.

13. Message from the three Korean states

Yamada no Omi stepped forward and began to read the message from the three Korean states. Then Naka no Ooe ordered the guards at the gate to simultaneously close [all] twelve gates. Then Naka no Ooe himself took the long spear and hid it nearby. The [people] of the minister with bows and arrows in their hands guarded [Naka no Ooe]. Saeki no Muradzi Komaro and Wakainukai no Muradzi Amita were given two swords from the casket and conveyed in words: “With one of these swords you will certainly kill [Iruka].”

[Komaro and Amita] choked on the rice they had eaten and [from fear they] vomited. Oomi urged and encouraged them.

14. End of reading the message

Yamada no Omi was afraid that he would finish reading the message before Komaro and his ilk arrived. Sweat poured down his body, his voice trembled, his hands shook. Kuratsukuri found this suspicious and asked, “Why are you shaking?” Yamada no Omi replied: “I am next to the empress, that’s why the sweat flows by itself.” Naka-no Ooe, seeing that Komaro and others like him, fearing the power of Iruka, were slow to act, shouted “Ah-ah!”, and together with Komaro they unexpectedly rushed with swords at Iruka, wounding him in the head and shoulder.

15. Killing Iruka

Iruka jumped up in fear. Komaro no Muradzi, swinging his sword, struck him in the leg. Iruka stood up, approached the empress and asked: “Your servant does not know what his fault is. I ask You to look into [this].”

The Empress was greatly surprised and said to Naka no Ooe: “I don’t understand anything. What's going on here?". Naka no Ooe prostrated himself and said: “Kuratsukuri will finally destroy the ruling family, it will encroach on the throne. Should Kuratsukuri be inherited by the descendants of emperors?!”

The Empress stood up and retreated deeper into the palace. Then Komaro and others like him hacked Iruka to death.

It rained that day and streams of water flooded the garden. Kuratsukuri's dead body was covered with mats and shoji partitions.

16. The treacherous rebels have not yet been pacified

People of that time believed: “The villain was punished by the will of Heaven.” However, Toyura no Oomi[331] still remained. The treacherous rebels had not yet been pacified. [Naka-no Ooe] went to the Hokoji temple[332], making it a well-fortified fortress. The nobles and dignitaries all followed him. People were sent to give the body to Kuratsukuri Toyura no Oomi.

17. Rebel flight

Then Aya no Atai[333] and those like him gathered all their relatives, put on armor, took up arms, and set up camp, coming to the aid of the minister. Naka no Ooe sent Kose no Omi Tokoda[334] to announce: “You do not take part in the affairs of [government] of our country. Why are you going against Heaven and resisting its will, bringing destruction to your family?!”

An accomplice of the rebels, Takamuku no Omi Kunioshi[335], answered Aya no Atai: “The eldest son of my master[336] has already been killed. Oomi[337] will also certainly be killed in vain. For whose sake will we fight in vain and what is the point of being executed? Having said this, he fled. The [other] rebels also dispersed.

18. Eradication of unrest and filth

On the day of Tsutinoto no Tori, Toyura no Oomi Emishi committed suicide in his estate.[338] Depravity and unrest were eradicated, jackals and wolves hid. People jumped for joy, everyone shouted “Hurray!” Naka no Oe praised [Kamatari]: “Truly, thanks to your abilities, the destroyed foundation is again put in order, the fate [of the state] that began to decline is again gaining strength.” Oomi [Kamatari] answered: “This happened due to [your] perfect virtue, there is no merit in this of your servant. It wasn’t me who conquered everyone.”

19. Naka no Ooe gives up the throne

On the day of Konoe no Inu, Empress Ame Toyotakara Ikashihi Tarashihime [Ko:gyoku] wished to transfer the throne to Naka no Oe. Naka no Oe asked advice from Oomi [Kamatari], who said: “Furuhito no Ooe is your elder brother. Prince Karu no Mantoku is your uncle. If you now occupy the throne of heavenly sovereigns, bypassing Furuhito no Ooe, then [the duty of] obedience and service to the younger brother [elder] will be violated. Isn’t it better to make an uncle [the sovereign] so that the aspirations of the people will come true?”

Naka no Ooe followed [Kamatari's advice] and secretly reported this to the empress.

20. The noble man told the truth

The Empress issued an order to abdicate the throne [in favor of] Prince Karu. He became the sovereign of Ame Yorozu Toyoha [Ko:toku[339]].

In reality, this happened by the will of Oomi. Knowledgeable people said: “Now we see that the noble man spoke the truth.”

Empress Toyotakara Ikasia was granted the title of Grandmother Empress. Naka no Ooe was appointed heir to the throne. The board's motto was changed to Taika.

21. Daikin Rank Cap Award

A decree was given: “It was possible to pacify the altars of earth and grain[340] thanks to the merits of Our prince[341]. And the fact that [nowadays] the width of the travel of carts and writing[342] are unified, happened thanks to his deeds. Therefore [he] is given the cap of the rank of daikin[343] and is granted [the position of] internal minister, as well as 2000 households. The prince is entrusted with managing important military and state affairs.”[344]

Oomi sought and identified [the worthy] among forests and swamps[345] and among people of low rank. And he attracted them to management, [so that] there were no gifted people left on the outskirts [that he could not find]. Therefore, the nine administrations[346] were ordered, and all five constants[347] were brought into harmony.

22. Award of extraordinary rank

In the 5th year of Hakuho [654][348], in the fall, on the 8th moon, a decree was given[349]: “The unchanging principle of the former sovereigns was to honor the Tao and recruit the wise to serve. The saying of the sages [says] - [it is necessary] to encourage merit and give credit for virtue. People believe that the rank of the internal minister of the holder of the daikin rank cap, Nakatomi no Muradzi, who is equal in merit to Take no Uchi no suku-ne[350], is not [high] enough[351]. [He] is being complained of out of turn by the hat of the rank of shiki[352] and another 8,000 households.”

23. Daishiki Rank Cap Award

Soon, Emperor Ame no Yorozu Toyohi [Ko:toku], tired of the numerous affairs of governing [the state], disappeared into the clouds[353]. The Mother Empress, heeding the aspirations of the people, ascended the throne for the second time[354]. [She] handed over all management matters to the crown prince. The Crown Prince decided every matter in consultation [with dignitaries], and only after that did he put [the decisions] into practice. At that time, from across the sea and from behind [such steep] mountains, [which can only be reached with the help of] stairs, offerings were constantly coming to the imperial court. A lot of villages [appeared] where [people] played zhan [355] and patted their bellies [356] . If it weren’t for the virtue of the empress and the wisdom of the subject[357], would it have been possible to achieve such a good thing?! Therefore [Kamatari] was granted the cap of daishiki rank, the title of prince [358] and 5,000 households. In total, together with those granted before - 15,000 households[359].

24. External affairs of management [360]

In the 12th year [661][361], in the winter on the 10th moon, the empress proceeded to the Naniwa Palace. Prior to this, in accordance with Poksin's request, [362] the empress, wanting to send troops to help [Baekje], proceeded to Tsukushi to carry out military preparations. In the 13th year [662][363], in the summer, on the 1st moon, the empress's ship was launched and set sail to the west. On the 3rd moon, the empress's ship moored in Nanoootsu Bay, the empress was in the traveling palace of Iwase. The Empress renamed him Nagatsu. In the summer of the 5th moon, [the empress] moved to the palace of Asakura no Tachibana no Hironiwa and was engaged in external affairs of government[364].

25. Response of the deities

Until the 7th moon of autumn, the empress was not well. Then Oomi was afraid in his heart. He offered prayers to the gods [of Heaven and Earth], fervently asking the Buddhas for longevity [for the empress]. The jasper statue of the Buddha [to which Kamatari prayed] reached out and stroked [his] head, in [Kamatari's] dream Kannon appeared in heaven. [Thus] the response of the deities was revealed.

Therefore, the monk Doken[366] said: “In ancient times, the sovereign’s bodyguards, hearing the creak of the cart’s axle, prayed for death[367], men who had chastity and a sense of duty, dug through the ground and sacrificed themselves[368]. [When] the sun was hidden by the bird clouds, Lin Yin prayed that the curse of the Yellow River god would pass on him[369], the wise man wished to sacrifice himself.

Although the glory does not fade and the rumor of devotion and selflessness is full, [these deeds] are very different from what happened now. Is it possible to compare them?!

26. [The heir to the throne] dresses in white robes and begins to rule

Life has a limit, and the life of [the empress] has already come to an end. The empress died in the Asakura travel palace[370]. The heir to the throne, dressed in white [371] robes, began to govern.

On this moon, the military commander Su[372], the Turkic prince Keihitsukariki and others like them, arrived in the fortress of Goguryeo by two routes - by land and by sea. The heir to the throne moved to Nagatsu Palace to manage military affairs overseas.

27. Outstanding sages

One day [the heir to the throne] said to the dignitaries: “They say that “in the great [country] Tang there is Wei Zheng [374], in [the country] Goguryeo there is Kageum [375], in [the country] Baekje there is Song Chun [376], in [ country] Silla is Yusin[377].” Each [of them] protects [his] country, [their] glory makes [the land] ten thousand miles away. All of them are outstanding people of their country and surpass others in wisdom. But if you compare all of them with our internal minister, [they] will have to crawl under someone else’s backside [378] . How can [they] compete with [Kamatari]?!”

In winter, on the 11th moon, the remains of the empress were transported from the Asakura Palace and buried in a temporary burial in Asuka no Kawara.

28. The heir to the throne begins the affairs of government

In the 14th year [663], the heir to the throne began administration. In previous difficult years, the friendship [between the heir to the throne and Kamatari] was sincere. Although duty was the ruler-subject relationship, ritual was the friend-mentor relationship. When they ride out sitting side by side in the same cart, the mats close together and the knees touch. In matters of government, [the heir to the throne and Kamatari] honored generosity, and in their morals they adhered to philanthropy and kindness. And then virtue-toku covered the whole world. Overseas they acted through intimidation and pacification. Therefore, the three Korean states submitted and began to serve [Yamato], and ten thousand clans remained in peace and tranquility [380] .

29. Message from Wang Goguryeo

Therefore, Wang Koguryo[382] presented a message to the interior minister. It read: “We [we] think that the influence of Oomi[383] philanthropy reaches far [limits], [the rumor about your] great virtue extends far. [You] spread the beneficent influence of the sovereign for ten thousand years, glorified the admirable qualities of [the sovereign] for ten thousand li. [Serve] as a support for the state, as pontoon bridges[385] for the people. The country looks at you with respect, and a hundred generations hope. We are glad that the rumor about this spread far. Truly [we] are deeply pleased that this has become known.”

30. Prosperous reign

In the 6th year [667] of the reign, in the summer, on the 3rd moon, the capital was moved to the province of Afumi[386]. In the 7th year [668] on the 1st moon, the sovereign ascended the throne. This is the sovereign of Ame Mikoto Pirakasu Wake[387]. There were no incidents during the reign of the sovereign, and the sovereign loved to travel around and inspect the country. There were no people with a sallow complexion [from hunger], houses with excess supplies appeared. The people everywhere praised the prosperous government.

31. Oomi admonishes the sovereign [388]

The Emperor summoned dignitaries and held a feast in a house on the coast. At the height of the feast they had a lot of fun. The crown prince, the younger brother [of the sovereign], took a long spear and pierced the flooring. The Emperor was frightened and became very angry, thinking that the prince wanted to harm [him]. Oomi persistently exhorted [the sovereign], and then the sovereign abandoned the prince. The crown prince, [the sovereign's] younger brother, initially disliked Oomi for his arrogant manner. But from that time on, [the prince] began to especially value intimacy with him. Subsequently, during the turmoil of the year of Jinshin[389], when [the crown prince, the sovereign’s younger brother] was heading from Yoshino to the eastern lands, [he] said, lamenting: “If Oomi were alive, would I have to endure such hardships?!” People thought the same.

32. Correction and approval of laws

In the 7th year [668], in the fall, on the 9th moon, Silla presented tribute. Then Oomi handed over one ship to Ambassador Kim Tong'om to present to the Chief Minister of Silla [named] Yusin[390]. Some decried this. Oomi said in response: “There is no land under Heaven that does not belong to the sovereign, there is no person on earth who is not a subject of the sovereign.”

Even earlier, the sovereign ordered the oomi to write down rituals and rules of behavior, to correct and put in order criminal and civil laws. [Oomi], who had an excellent understanding of the nature of Heaven and Man, compiled instructions for the sovereign. Oomi and the sages of that time shortened and supplemented the ancient rituals and drew up basic laws. [When drawing up laws] they were entirely [guided] by exalting the path of reverence and love, suppressing the path of deceit and crookedness. [With the help of] laws they sought to avoid lawsuits, in regulations they [strove] to observe [the principle of] love for all living things. Even the three laws of the Zhou [dynasty] and the nine sections of the laws of the Han [dynasty][391] could not add anything [to this][392].

33. [The Emperor] inquires about illness

In the 2nd year after his accession to the throne [669], in the winter, on the 10th moon, [Kamatari] was gradually seized by a serious illness. Then the disease worsened [393] . The Emperor visited [Kamatari] at his estate and inquired about the illness. He prayed to the supreme ruler of Heaven for an extension of life, asking him to show a sign. Despite prayers, the next day there was no sign, and the illness intensified even more.[394] Then the sovereign of the rivers: “If [you] have a request, We are ready to listen.” Oomi replied: “What will your worthless servant dare to say? I would only like to be buried modestly. During my lifetime I did not bring any benefit in the military [affairs] of the country[395], how can I be a burden to the people after death?” [Oomi] immediately fell ill and said nothing more. The Emperor was choking [from tears] and could not control his grief. [He] immediately returned to the palace.

34. Fujiwara no Asomi

[The sovereign] sent his younger brother, the heir to the throne [to Kamatari], [the heir to the throne] arrived at his house and announced the decree[396] of the sovereign: “Reflecting on distant previous eras, you see that sometimes from generation to generation only one or two dignitaries appeared , [able] to govern the state. But if you evaluate your merits and compare your abilities, [no one] can compare with the prince. Not only We honor you, but also subsequent sovereigns and descendants are truly blessed by you. [We wish] to reward worthily and generously, so that there is no oblivion and loss. Now, having heard that [your] illness has intensified, We were even more saddened. You should be rewarded." Therefore, [Kamatari] was granted the title of shiki, the appointment to the post of chief minister, and the new name of Fujiwara no Asomi[397].

35. Died at the estate in Afumi

On the 16th day, the day of Kanoto no Tori [Kamatari] died in the Afumi estate. At that time he was 56 years old. The Emperor cried and was very sad. He left the affairs of the administration for nine days.

On the day of kinoe no ne [398] [the sovereign] sent Soga no Toneri no Omi [to the house of Kamatari] to announce the will of the sovereign [399]: “The internal minister, oomi, who owned the kabane asomi, died [so] untimely and suddenly. Why did Heaven destroy the best of our people?! What sorrow! What sadness! He left us and went far away. How scary! What a pity! He left us and left forever! Why farewell words? What is the use of speeches that cannot be expressed [sorrows]?! These are not empty phrases, they truly are. Day and night [we walked] hand in hand, [you] were our confidant. [You] calmed our hearts. [Your] words and deeds were impeccable. Together we decided on big and small matters of the state. In [all] eight borders[400] calm came, all the people did not know sadness. Although we pronounce these farewell words, our speech is worthless, inept and unworthy [of attention]. Alas! Oh! How to be?! How to be?!

36. The ship and oars have already sunk

If the prince made his proposals in the palace, they invariably benefited the people. If he discussed management at [military] headquarters, [his opinion] certainly coincided with Ours. Truly, people like him appear once every ten thousand years.

Wen Wang[401] relied on Shang Fu[402], the founder of Han[403] got Zhang Liang[404] . [But] how can we compare [you with them] both?! Therefore, morning and evening [we] held hands, were close and did not get bored [of each other]. They rode out in the same chariot and followed a ritual during the rides.

They had not yet crossed the big river, but the ship and oars had already sunk. They laid the foundation of a large house, but the roof ridge and rafters were broken [405] . With whom [should we] run the country? With whom to govern the people? Every time we think about it, [our] sadness becomes even deeper. However, [we] heard that “even the greatest sages cannot avoid [death].” And therefore the pain and sorrow subside and gradually calm down.

37. Kingdom of Tushita

If the dead have a soul, and [the soul of Kamatari] can really appear before the former emperor and empress[407], then he will respectfully say: “Just like in the old days, when under the former sovereigns I enjoyed the views in Afumi and in Hira no Ura -no miya[408] “.

Whenever We see this, we invariably peer with all our might and mourn. We don’t take a single step without thinking [about our parents], we don’t say a single word without remembering [them]. We look with hope at the virtue of the sages [sovereigns], and fall on our faces, deeply bound by love.

[One who] leaves the world and goes to the Buddha will certainly need Buddhist equipment. Therefore, we favor an incense burner made of pure gold[409]. By taking this incense burner, in accordance with your vow, following the Bodhisattva Kannon, you will reach the top of the Tushita kingdom[410]. Day after day, night after night you will listen to the beautiful teachings of Miroku[411]. Every morning and every evening you will rotate the circle of dharmas[412] of true essences.”

38. Funeral [413]

Soon afterwards, all the dignitaries and officials went to the garden, where [stood] the coffin with the body of the deceased, and mourned [him]. Therefore, a compass, ho:so:[414], the top of a [funeral] carriage made of bird feathers, drums and flutes[415] were granted. On the day of the funeral, the path [of the funeral procession] passed past the palace gates; [the sovereign] personally dressed himself in white robes and deigned to walk. [He] left the affairs of the administration, turning towards the funeral crew, crying bitterly, choking [with tears]. Since ancient times, there have never been such generous sovereign favors and such a glorious first nobleman as in these days. The funeral preparations followed his [Kamatari's] dying words, that his long-standing desire was to be buried modestly.

39. Burning at Yamashina no Dera Temple

And so in the year of Kanoe no Uma [690] on the 6th day of the 9th intercalary moon, [Kamatari] was committed to fire[416] in the temple of Yamashina no Dera[417]. The Emperor ordered all the dignitaries to gather at the burial site. Ki no Ushi no Omi[418], a junior rank of daikin, was assigned to give a farewell speech. Financial assistance was provided [for] the funeral ritual. During [the funeral] clouds with outlines similar to purple [419] umbrellas [420] appeared in the sky. The sounds of strings and wind [instruments] came from above them. Many people heard and saw [this]. There has never been [such] sorrow.

40. Honoring the Three Treasures

Oomi revered the Three Treasures. Honored and spread [the teachings of the Buddha] in four [directions]. Every year on the 10th moon he decorated the place for preaching, honored the highly virtuous deeds of Yuim[421], and explained the one hidden truth. Having abandoned his ancestral property, he entered the Gangoji temple[422] and began to collect the teachings of the five schools[423]. As a result of this, wise monks were not transferred, the holy teaching flourished more and more. And now a sign of this [was revealed]!

41. Making a tombstone

Sataek Seomyeon, a junior shiki[424], from Baekje had outstanding talent and had no equal in eloquence. Lamenting the fact that if good glory is not conveyed, virtue will be exhausted and perish, he made [an inscription on] a tombstone. Nowadays this stone is located in Kotomaki[425].

[Kamatari] had two children - Joe[426] and Fuhito[427]. There is a separate biography about Fuhito[428].