Fujiwara no Mototsune facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fujiwara no Mototsune 藤原基経
Mototsune by Kikuchi Yōsai
Born	836
Died	February 25, 891
Family	Fujiwara Hokke
Father	Fujiwara no Yoshifusa

Fujiwara no Mototsune (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)), also known as Horikawa Daijin (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)), was a very important Japanese leader. He was a statesman, a courtier (someone who attended the emperor), and a powerful aristocrat during the early Heian period in Japan. He made history by becoming the first kampaku, which was a special kind of regent for an adult emperor.

Mototsune's Early Life and Rise to Power

Mototsune was born as the third son of Fujiwara no Nagara. However, he was adopted by his very powerful uncle, Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. His uncle had no sons of his own, so Mototsune became his heir.

Mototsune followed in his uncle's footsteps. He became very powerful in the emperor's court. He served as a regent for four different emperors, one after another.

Mototsune created a new position for himself called kampaku. A kampaku was a regent who could stay in power even after the emperor grew up and became an adult. This was a big change! This new role allowed the Fujiwara family to keep their strong influence over the emperor and the government throughout an emperor's entire rule.

Mototsune is also known by his special posthumous name, Shōsen Kō (昭宣公).

Key Moments in Mototsune's Career

Mototsune held many important positions during his life. Here are some of the key moments:

• 864 (Jōgan 6): Mototsune was named Sangi. This was a high-ranking government official.
• 866 (Jōgan 8): He became a Chūnagon, which was a middle counselor in the government.
• 870 (Jōgan 12): He was promoted to Dainagon, a chief counselor.
• 872 (Jōgan 14): He became Udaijin, the Minister of the Right. This was a very powerful position.
• 876 (Jōgan 18): Mototsune was named Sesshō. A Sesshō was a regent for a child emperor.
• 880 (Gangyō 4): He was named Daijō Daijin, the Chancellor of the Realm. This was the highest government position.
• 884 (Gangyō 8): Mototsune was the first person to receive the title Kampaku. This new role allowed him to guide an adult emperor.
• 890 (Kanpyō 2): He retired from his role as Kampaku.
• February 25, 891 (Kampyō 3): Mototsune passed away at the age of 56.

Mototsune's Family

Fujiwara no Mototsune was part of the powerful Fujiwara clan. His birth father was Fujiwara no Nagara. But, as mentioned, he was adopted by his uncle, Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. This meant Yoshifusa became his adoptive father.

Mototsune married a daughter of Imperial Prince Saneyasu. Prince Saneyasu was a son of Emperor Ninmyō.

Here are some of their children:

• Tokihira (871–909) – He later became a Sadaijin (Minister of the Left).
• Nakahira (875–945) – He also became a Sadaijin.
• Tadahira (880–949) – He became a Daijō Daijin and a Regent.
• Yoriko (died 936) – She became a consort (a wife) of Emperor Seiwa.
• Kazuko – She was also a consort of Emperor Seiwa.
• Onshi (885–954) – She became a consort of Emperor Daigo. She was also the mother of two emperors, Emperor Suzaku and Emperor Murakami.

Mototsune also married Princess Sōshi. She was a daughter of Imperial Prince Tadara, who was a son of Emperor Saga.

Their children included:

• Kanehira (875–935) – He held the title of Kunai-Kyō.
• Onshi (872–907) – She became a consort of Emperor Uda.

He had other children too, including:

• Kamiko (died 898) – She was a consort of Emperor Kōkō.
• Yoshihira
• Shigeko – She married Minamoto no Yoshiari, who was a son of Emperor Montoku.

See also

• Fujiwara Regents
• Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku, one of the Six National Histories of Japan; edited by Fujiwara no Mototsune.