Fujiwara no Korechika facts for kids
Fujiwara no Korechika (藤原 伊周) lived from 974 to February 14, 1010. He was a powerful Japanese noble, known as a kugyo, during the Heian period. Korechika was the second son of Fujiwara no Michitaka. His mother was Takashina no Takako.
His sister, Teishi (also known as Sadako), was married to Emperor Ichijō. Korechika hoped to become the regent for his young brother-in-law after his father passed away. A regent was a special advisor who helped the emperor rule, especially if the emperor was young.
Korechika's big dreams put him against his very powerful uncle, Fujiwara no Michinaga. This led to a big rivalry for power at the court. This struggle continued until Empress Teishi sadly passed away. After her death, Michinaga's daughter, Shoshi, became Emperor Ichijō's only empress. This made Michinaga's power at court much stronger.
In the year 996, Korechika and his younger brother Takaie were sent away from the capital. This is called being exiled. They were sent to Dazaifu. Korechika was accused of certain actions that were seen as disrespectful to the Retired Emperor Kazan. He was also accused of using a special religious ritual, called Daigensuihō (大元帥法), which was only meant for the emperor to use.
Korechika was allowed to return home a year later. He then became a Jun-Daijin, which means an associate minister. People sometimes called Korechika by other names, like Gidō-sanshi or Sochi no Naidaijin.
Korechika's Important Roles
Fujiwara no Korechika held several important positions during his life:
- 991: He was named Sangi (参議), which was a high-ranking advisor.
- 992: He became a Gon-no-Chūnagon (権中納言), a type of middle counselor.
- 992: Later that same year, he was promoted to Gon-no-Dainagon (権大納言), a higher counselor position.
- 994: On the 28th day of the 8th month, he was named Naidaijin (内大臣), a very important minister.
- 996: On the 24th day of the 4th month, he was exiled to Dazaifu.
- 997: On the 5th day of the 4th month, he was pardoned and allowed to return to the capital city, Heian-kyō.
- 1008: On the 16th day of the 1st month, he was named Jun-Daijin (准大臣), an associate minister.
- 1010: On February 14, he passed away at the age of 37.
Family Life
Fujiwara no Korechika was married to a daughter of Gon-no-Dainagon Minamoto no Shigemitsu.
They had three children:
- Fujiwara no Michimasa (道雅) (992-1054) - He was known as Ara-sammi and held the role of Sakyo-no-Daibu.
- A daughter who married Fujiwara no Yorimune, who was a son of Korechika's powerful uncle, Fujiwara no Michinaga.
- Chikako (周子) - She was a lady-in-waiting for Empress Shōshi, who was the wife of Emperor Ichijō. Chikako later married Fujiwara no Yoshiyori.
