Japanese clans
Encyclopedia
This is a list of Japan
ese clan
s. The ancient clans (Gōbboku) mentioned in the Nihonshoki and Kojiki
lost their political power before the Heian period
. Instead of gozoku, new aristocracies, Kuge
families emerged in the period. In the late of the Heian period, warrior class clans (Samurai
) had gradually gained power and subsequently dominated the country.
Gōzoku
Okinawa:
Sacerdotal clans:
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese clan
Clan
A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor. The kinship-based bonds may be symbolical, whereby the clan shares a "stipulated" common ancestor that is a...
s. The ancient clans (Gōbboku) mentioned in the Nihonshoki and Kojiki
Kojiki
is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, dating from the early 8th century and composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Gemmei. The Kojiki is a collection of myths concerning the origin of the four home islands of Japan, and the Kami...
lost their political power before the Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
. Instead of gozoku, new aristocracies, Kuge
Kuge
The was a Japanese aristocratic class that dominated the Japanese imperial court in Kyoto until the rise of the Shogunate in the 12th century at which point it was eclipsed by the daimyo...
families emerged in the period. In the late of the Heian period, warrior class clans (Samurai
Samurai
is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
) had gradually gained power and subsequently dominated the country.
Imperial House
- The Imperial HouseImperial House of JapanThe , also referred to as the Imperial Family or the Yamato Dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties. Under the present Constitution of Japan, the emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people...
- possiblly descended from the Five kings of WaFive kings of WaThe five kings of Wa are kings of ancient Japan who sent envoys to China during the 5th century to strengthen the legitimacy of their claims to power by gaining the recognition of the Chinese emperor. Details about them are unknown...
and the YamatoYamato periodThe is the period of Japanese history when the Japanese Imperial court ruled from modern-day Nara Prefecture, then known as Yamato Province.While conventionally assigned to the period 250–710 , the actual start of Yamato rule is disputed...
Polity in the Kofun periodKofun periodThe is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. It follows the Yayoi period. The word kofun is Japanese for the type of burial mounds dating from this era. The Kofun and the subsequent Asuka periods are sometimes referred to collectively as the Yamato period...
. Its emperors and family members have no surnameSurnameA surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
s.
Kuge
, 4 noble clans of ancient Japan:- Minamoto clanMinamoto clanwas one of the surnames bestowed by the Emperors of Japan upon members of the imperial family who were demoted into the ranks of the nobility. The practice was most prevalent during the Heian Period , although its last occurrence was during the Sengoku Era. The Taira were another such offshoot of...
(源氏) - also known as Genji; 21 cadet branchCadet branchCadet branch is a term in genealogy to describe the lineage of the descendants of the younger sons of a monarch or patriarch. In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets – titles, realms, fiefs, property and income – have...
es of Imperial House of JapanImperial House of JapanThe , also referred to as the Imperial Family or the Yamato Dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties. Under the present Constitution of Japan, the emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people...
.- Daigo Genji (醍醐源氏) - descended from 60th emperor DaigoEmperor Daigowas the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Go-Daigo Genji (後醍醐源氏) - descended from 96th emperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-DaigoEmperor Go-Daigo was the 96th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession....
. - Go-Fukakusa Genji (後深草源氏) - descended from 89th emperor Go-FukakusaEmperor Go-Fukakusawas the 89th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. This reign spanned the years 1246 through 1260....
. - Go-Nijō Genji (後二条源氏) - descended from 94th emperor Go-NijōEmperor Go-NijoEmperor Go-Nijō was the 94th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from March 3, 1301 until September 10, 1308...
. - Go-Saga Genji (後嵯峨源氏) - descended from 88th emperor Go-SagaEmperor Go-SagaEmperor Go-Saga was the 88th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession...
. - Go-Sanjō Genji (後三条源氏) - descended from 71st emperor Go-SanjōEmperor Go-Sanjowas the 71st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Go-Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1068 through 1073.This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō and go- , translates literally as "later;" and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō"...
. - Go-Shirakawa Genji (後白河源氏) - descended from 77th emperor Go-ShirakawaEmperor Go-ShirakawaEmperor Go-Shirakawa was the 77th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession...
. - Juntoku Genji (順徳源氏) - descended from 84th emperor JuntokuEmperor Juntokuwas the 84th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1210 through 1221.-Genealogy:...
. - Kameyama Genji (亀山源氏) - descended from 90th emperor KameyamaEmperor Kameyamawas the 90th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1259 through 1274.-Genealogy:...
. - Kazan Genji (花山源氏) - descended from 65th emperor KazanEmperor Kazanwas the 65th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kazan's reign spanned the years from 984 through 986.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Kōkō Genji (光孝源氏) - descended from 58th emperor KōkōEmperor Kokowas the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of...
.
- Murakami Genji (村上源氏) - descended from 62nd emperor MurakamiEmperor Murakamiwas the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Montoku Genji (文徳源氏) - descended from 55th emperor MontokuEmperor Montokuwas the 55th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of Montoku's spanned the years from 850 through 858.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Nimmyō Genji (仁明源氏) - descended from 54th emperor NimmyōEmperor Nimmyowas the 54th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Ninmyō's reign lasted from 833 to 850.-Traditional narrative:Ninmyō was the second son of Emperor Saga and the Empress Tachibana no Kachiko. His personal name was...
. - Ōgimachi Genji (正親町源氏) - descended from 106th emperor ŌgimachiEmperor OgimachiEmperor Ōgimachi was the 106th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from October 27, 1557 to December 17, 1586, corresponding to the transition between the Warring States Era and the Azuchi-Momoyama period...
. - Reizei Genji (冷泉源氏) - descended from 63rd emperor ReizeiEmperor Reizeiwas the 63rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Reizei's reign spanned the years from 967 through 969.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Saga Genji (嵯峨源氏) - descended from 52nd emperor SagaEmperor Sagawas the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Saga's reign spanned the years from 809 through 823.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Sanjō Genji (三条源氏) - descended from 67th emperor SanjōEmperor Sanjowas the 67th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Sanjō's reign spanned the years from 1011 through 1016.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(清和源氏) - descended from 56th emperor SeiwaEmperor Seiwawas the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.-Traditional narrative:...
; origin of many samurai clans.- Kawachi GenjiKawachi GenjiThe Kawachi Genji were members of a family line within that of the Seiwa Genji, which in turn was one of several branches of the Minamoto clan, one the most famous noble clans in Japanese history...
(河内源氏) - also known as Genke; descended from Minamoto no YorinobuMinamoto no Yorinobuwas a samurai commander and member of the powerful Minamoto clan. He was the son of Minamoto no Mitsunaka . Along with his brother Yorimitsu, Yorinobu served the regents of the Fujiwara clan, taking the violent measures the Fujiwara were themselves unable to take. He held the title, passed down...
; origin of Hitachi Genji (常陸源氏), Ishikawa Genji (石川源氏); and Kai Genji (甲斐源氏); famous for 3 Kamakura shogunsKamakura shogunateThe Kamakura shogunate was a military dictatorship in Japan headed by the shoguns from 1185 to 1333. It was based in Kamakura. The Kamakura period draws its name from the capital of the shogunate...
. - Settsu Genji (摂津源氏) - descended from Minamoto no YorimitsuMinamoto no Yorimitsu, also known as Minamoto no Raikō, served the regents of the Fujiwara clan along with his brother Yorinobu, taking the violent measures the Fujiwara were themselves unable to take...
; origin of Tada Genji (多田源氏), Mino Genji (美濃源氏) and Shinano Genji (信濃源氏). - Yamato Genji (大和源氏) - descended from Minamoto no Yorichika.
- Kawachi Genji
- Uda Genji (宇多源氏) - descended from 59th emperor UdaEmperor Udawas the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.-Name and legacy:Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Chōjiin-tei....
; origin of Ōmi Genji (近江源氏). - Yōzei Genji (陽成源氏) - descended from 57th emperor YōzeiEmperor Yozeiwas the 57th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōzei's reign spanned the years from 876 through 884.-Traditional narrative:...
.
- Daigo Genji (醍醐源氏) - descended from 60th emperor Daigo
- Taira clanTaira clanThe was a major Japanese clan of samurai in historical Japan.In reference to Japanese history, along with Minamoto, Taira was a hereditary clan name bestowed by the emperors of the Heian Period to certain ex-members of the imperial family when they became subjects...
(平氏) - also known as Heishi; 4 cadet branchCadet branchCadet branch is a term in genealogy to describe the lineage of the descendants of the younger sons of a monarch or patriarch. In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets – titles, realms, fiefs, property and income – have...
es of Imperial House of JapanImperial House of JapanThe , also referred to as the Imperial Family or the Yamato Dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties. Under the present Constitution of Japan, the emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people...
.- Kammu Heishi (桓武平氏) - descended from 50th emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
; famous for Taira no MasakadoTaira no Masakadowas a samurai in the Heian period of Japan, who led one of the largest insurgent forces in the period against the central government of Kyoto.-History:...
.- Bandō 8 Heishi (坂東八平氏) - descended from Taira no Yoshifumi.
- Ise Heishi (伊勢平氏) - also known as Heike; descended from Taira no Korehira; famous for Taira no KiyomoriTaira no Kiyomoriwas a general of the late Heian period of Japan. He established the first samurai-dominated administrative government in the history of Japan.After the death of his father Taira no Tadamori in 1153, Kiyomori assumed control of the Taira clan and ambitiously entered the political realm in which he...
.
- Kōkō Heishi (光孝平氏) - descended from 58th emperor KōkōEmperor Kokowas the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.- Traditional narrative :Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as "the Emperor of...
. - Montoku Heishi (文徳平氏) - descended from 55th emperor MontokuEmperor Montokuwas the 55th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of Montoku's spanned the years from 850 through 858.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Nimmyō Heishi (仁明平氏) - descended from 54th emperor NimmyōEmperor Nimmyowas the 54th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Ninmyō's reign lasted from 833 to 850.-Traditional narrative:Ninmyō was the second son of Emperor Saga and the Empress Tachibana no Kachiko. His personal name was...
.
- Kammu Heishi (桓武平氏) - descended from 50th emperor Kammu
- Fujiwara clan (藤原氏) - descended from Fujiwara no KamatariFujiwara no KamatariFujiwara no Kamatari was a Japanese statesman, courtier and politician during the Asuka period.Kamatari was the founder of the Fujiwara clan in Japan. His birth clan was the Nakatomi. He was the son of Nakatomi no Mikeko, and his birth name was Nakatomi no Kamatari...
.- 4 families of Fujiwara (藤原四家) - descended from 4 sons of Fujiwara no FuhitoFujiwara no FuhitoFujiwara no Fuhito was a powerful member of the imperial court of Japan during the Asuka and Nara periods...
.- Fujiwara Hokke (藤原北家) - northern family; descended from Fujiwara no FusasakiFujiwara no FusasakiFujiwara no Fusasaki was a member of the Fujiwara clan and the founder of the Hokke branch of the Fujiwara.-Career:Fusasaki was a Sangi in the Daijō-kan....
. - Fujiwara Kyōke (藤原京家) - descended from Fujiwara no MaroFujiwara no Marowas a Japanese statesman, courtier, and politician during the Nara period.-Career:Maro was a minister during the reign of Emperor Shōmu....
. - Fujiwara Nanke (藤原南家) - southern family; descended from Fujiwara no MuchimaroFujiwara no Muchimarowas a Japanese politician of the Asuka and Nara periods. The eldest son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, he founded Nanke , one of the principal kuge families led by the Fujiwara's. His mother was Soga no Shōsi, daughter of Soga no Murajiko...
. - Fujiwara Shikike (藤原式家) - descended from Fujiwara no UmakaiFujiwara no Umakaiwas a Japanese statesman, courtier, general and politician during the Nara period.-Career:He was a diplomat during the reign of Empress Genshō; and he was minister during the reign of Emperor Shōmu...
.
- Fujiwara Hokke (藤原北家) - northern family; descended from Fujiwara no Fusasaki
- Northern Fujiwara clanNorthern FujiwaraThe Northern Fujiwara were a Japanese noble family that ruled the Tōhoku region of Japan from the 12th to the 13th centuries as if it were their own realm. They succeeded the semi-independent Emishi families of the 11th century who were gradually brought down by the Minamoto clan loyal to the...
(奥州藤原氏) - also known as Ōshū Fujiwara clan; descended from Fujiwara no HidesatoFujiwara no Hidesatowas a kuge of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded the common ancestor of the Ōshū branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yūki, Oyama, and Shimokōbe families....
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- 4 families of Fujiwara (藤原四家) - descended from 4 sons of Fujiwara no Fuhito
- Tachibana clanTachibana clan (kuge)The Tachibana clan was one of the four most powerful kuge families in Japan's Nara and early Heian periods. Members of the Tachibana family often held high court posts within the Daijō-kan , most frequently Sadaijin...
(橘氏) - descended from Prince Naniwa-Ō, son of Prince Shōtoku-Taishi (572-621), 2nd son of Emperor YōmeiEmperor Yomeiwas the 31st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Yōmei's reign spanned the years from 585 until his death in 587.-Traditional narrative:...
; no direct relation to the feudal Tachibana clan (立花氏)
GōzokuGozokuis a Japanese term used to refer to powerful and wealthy families. In historical context, it usually refers to local samurai clans with significant local land holdings. Some were almost locally independent, and held strong ties to important commoners such as wealthy merchants...
- Abe clanAbe clanThe was one of the oldest of the major Japanese clans ; and the clan retained its prominence during the Sengoku period and the Edo period. The clan's origin is said to be one of the original clans of the Yamato people; they truly gained prominence during the Heian period , and experienced a...
(阿部氏/安倍氏) - descended from Prince Ōhiko, son of Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
; no direct relation to the Abe clan of Ōshū (安倍氏). - Abe clan of Ōshū (安倍氏) - descended from Abihiko (disputed); no direct relation to the Kōgen-descent Abe clanAbe clanThe was one of the oldest of the major Japanese clans ; and the clan retained its prominence during the Sengoku period and the Edo period. The clan's origin is said to be one of the original clans of the Yamato people; they truly gained prominence during the Heian period , and experienced a...
(阿部氏), famous for Abe no HirafuAbe no Hirafuwas a governor of Koshi Province. He fought against the aboriginal inhabitants of Japan . This was in 658...
and Abe no YoritokiAbe no Yoritokiwas the head of the Abe clan of Emishi who were allowed to rule the six Emishi districts in the Kitakami Basin from Morioka to Hiraizumi in what is now Iwate Prefecture. The clan emerged from the Appi River basin in what is now Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, early in the 9th century...
. - Aya clan of Sanuki province - According to the KojikiKojikiis the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, dating from the early 8th century and composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Gemmei. The Kojiki is a collection of myths concerning the origin of the four home islands of Japan, and the Kami...
descended from Prince Takekaiko, grandson of Emperor KeikōEmperor Keiko; also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto, was the 12th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 71–130.-Legendary narrative:Keikō is...
. - Imube clan (忌部氏) - descended from the kamiKamiis the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
Ame no Futotama no Mikoto (legendary), and his descendant Ame no Tomi no Mikoto companion in arms of Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
. - Hashiji clan (土師氏) - descended from the kamiKamiis the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
Nomi no SukuneNomi no Sukunewas a Japanese legendary sumo wrestler during Emperor Suinin era. He kicked and killed his opponent under the Emperor's instruction. It wasn't modern sumo, but he is regarded as the human creator of sumo. He was an ancestor of Sugawara no Michizane.-References:...
(legendary). - Ki clan (紀氏) - descended from Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
by the Minister Takeshi-uchi no Sukune; famous for Ki no TsurayukiKi no Tsurayukiwas a Japanese author, poet and courtier of the Heian period.Tsurayuki was a son of Ki no Mochiyuki. He became a waka poet in the 890s. In 905, under the order of Emperor Daigo, he was one of four poets selected to compile the Kokin Wakashū, an anthology of poetry.After holding a few offices in...
. - Kusakabe clan (日下部氏) - descended from 9th Emperor KaikaEmperor Kaika; also known as Wakayamatonekohikooobi no Mikoto; is the ninth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 157 BC–98 BC, but he may have lived in the...
, or 36th Emperor KōtokuEmperor Kotokuwas the 36th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.The years of his reign lasted from 645 through 654.-Traditional narrative:Before Kōtoku ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was or...
(disputed). - Mononobe clanMononobe clanThe was a Japanese clan of the Kofun period, known for its military opposition to the Soga clan. The Mononobe were opposed to the spread of Buddhism, not on religious grounds, but more so as the result of feelings of conservatism and a degree of xenophobia...
(物部氏) - descended from the kamiKamiis the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
Nigihayahi no Mikoto (legendary), a descendant of the elder brother of Ninigi no Mikoto (legendary), great-grandfather of Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
; famous for Mononobe no MoriyaMononobe no Moriyawas an Ō-muraji, a high-ranking clan head position of the ancient Japanese Yamato state, having inherited the position from his father Mononobe no Okoshi...
. - Nakatomi clanNakatomi clanThe Nakatomi clan was an influential clan in Classical Japan. Along with the Inbe clan, the Nakatomi were one of two priestly clans which oversaw certain important national rites, and one of many to claim descent from divine clan ancestors "only a degree less sublime than the imperial ancestors"...
(中臣氏) - descended from the kamiKamiis the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
Ame no Koyane no Mikoto (legendary), and his descendant Ame no Taneko no Mikoto companion in arms of Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
; origin of Fujiwara clan. - Ō clan (多氏) - descended from Prince Kamuyaimimi no Mikoto, son of Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
. - Ochi clan (越智氏) - descended from Mononobe clanMononobe clanThe was a Japanese clan of the Kofun period, known for its military opposition to the Soga clan. The Mononobe were opposed to the spread of Buddhism, not on religious grounds, but more so as the result of feelings of conservatism and a degree of xenophobia...
. - Ōe clan (大江氏) - descended from Hashiji clan.
- Ōtomo clan (大伴氏) - descended from Michi-omi no Mikoto companion in arms of Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
; no direct relation to the immigrant Ōtomo clan (大友氏) or feudal Ōtomo clan (大友氏); famous for Ōtomo no YakamochiOtomo no Yakamochiwas a Japanese statesman and waka poet in the Nara period. He is a member of the . He was born into the prestigious Ōtomo clan; his grandfather was Ōtomo no Amaro and his father was Ōtomo no Tabito. Ōtomo no Kakimochi was his younger brother, and Ōtomo no Sakanoe no Iratsume his aunt...
. - Sugawara clan (菅原氏) - descended from Hashiji clan; famous for Sugawara no MichizaneSugawara no Michizane, also known as Kan Shōjō , a grandson of Sugawara no Kiyotomo , was a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian Period of Japan...
- Soga clanSoga clanThe was one of the most powerful clans in Yamato Japan and played a major role in the spread of Buddhism. For many generations, in the 5th and 7th centuries, the Soga monopolized the position of Great Royal Chieftain and was the first of many families to dominate the Imperial House of Japan by...
(蘇我氏) - descended from Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
, by the Minister Takeshi-uchi no Sukune; famous for Soga no UmakoSoga no Umakowas the son of Soga no Iname and a member of the powerful Soga clan of Japan.Umako conducted political reforms with Prince Shōtoku during the rules of Emperor Bidatsu and Empress Suiko and established the Soga clan's stronghold in the government by having his daughter married with members of the...
. - Takahashi clan (高橋氏)
Immigrant clans
- Hata clanHata tribeThe was an immigrant clan active in Japan since the Kofun period, according to the epic history Nihonshoki.Hata is the Japanese reading of the Chinese name 秦 given to the Qin Dynasty , and given to their descendants established in Japan.The Nihonshoki presents the Hata as a clan or house, and not...
(秦氏) - descended from Prince Yuzuki no Kimi, a descendant of Emperor Qin Shi HuangQin Shi HuangQin Shi Huang , personal name Ying Zheng , was king of the Chinese State of Qin from 246 BC to 221 BC during the Warring States Period. He became the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC...
of the Chinese Qin DynastyQin DynastyThe Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
. - Kawachi no Aya clan (西漢氏)
- Kawachi no Fumi clan (西文氏) - descended from the scholar WaniWani (scholar)Wani is a semi-legendary scholar who is said to have been offered as a tribute to Japan by Baekje of southwestern Korea during the reign of Emperor Ōjin. He used to be associated with the introduction of the Chinese writing system to Japan....
, ultimately from Emperor Gaozu of the Chinese Han DynastyHan DynastyThe Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
. - Koremune clan (惟宗氏) - lateral branch of the Hata clan, descended from Prince Kōman-Ō of the Chinese Qin DynastyQin DynastyThe Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
. - Ōkura clan (大蔵氏) - a branch of the Yamato no Aya clan.
- Ōtomo clan (大友氏) - descended from Chinese immigrants; no direct relation to the native Ōtomo clan (大伴氏) or feudal Ōtomo clan (大友氏).
- Takamuko clan - descended from Emperor WenCao PiCao Pi , formally known as Emperor Wen of Wei, was the first emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery , he was the second son of the late Han Dynasty warlord Cao Cao.Cao Pi, like his father, was a poet...
of the Chinese Cao WeiCao WeiCao Wei was one of the states that competed for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period. With the capital at Luoyang, the state was established by Cao Pi in 220, based upon the foundations that his father Cao Cao laid...
Dynasty; famous for Takamuko no KuromaroTakamuko no Kuromarowas a Japanese scholar and diplomat of the Asuka period. The Takamuko clan are descended from Cao Pi.Karumauro traveled to China as the with Ono no Imoko as kenzuishi representing Empress Suiko in 608...
. - Yamato no Aya clan (東漢氏) - descended from Prince Achi no Omi, a great-grandchild of Emperor Ling of HanEmperor Ling of HanEmperor Ling of Han, trad. ch. 漢靈帝;, sim. ch. 汉灵帝, py. hàn líng dì, wg. Han Ling-ti, was an emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty. He was a great-great-grandson of Emperor Zhang. The Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out during Emperor Ling's reign.Emperor Ling's reign saw yet another repetition of...
of the Chinese Han DynastyHan DynastyThe Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
. - Yamato no Fumi clan (東文氏) - possibly a branch of the Yamato no Aya clan.
Feudal-era clan names (Myōji/苗字)
- Abe clan of Mikawa (阿部氏) - descended from Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
and the ancient Abe clanAbe clanThe was one of the oldest of the major Japanese clans ; and the clan retained its prominence during the Sengoku period and the Edo period. The clan's origin is said to be one of the original clans of the Yamato people; they truly gained prominence during the Heian period , and experienced a...
(阿部氏); no direct relation to the Abe clan of Ōshū (安倍氏). - Adachi clanAdachi clanThe Adachi clan is a family of samurai who are said to have been descended from Fujiwara no Yamakage. Their historical significance derives from their successes during the Genpei War and their subsequent affiliation with the Hōjō clan....
(安達氏) - descended from Fujiwara clan. - Akahoshi clan (赤星氏) - cadet branchCadet branchCadet branch is a term in genealogy to describe the lineage of the descendants of the younger sons of a monarch or patriarch. In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets – titles, realms, fiefs, property and income – have...
of Kikuchi clanKikuchi clanThe of Higo Province was a powerful daimyo family of Higo, Kyūshū. The Kikuchi lineage was renowned for its valiant service in defense of the emperor and against foreign invaders. The clan first distinguished itself during the Jürchen invasion of northern Kyūshū in 1019...
. - Akamatsu clanAkamatsu clanThe was a Japanese samurai family of direct descent from Minamoto no Morifusa. They were prominent shugo-daimyō in Harima during the Sengoku period.-Select members of the clan:* Akamatsu Norimura .* Akamatsu Norisuke ....
(赤松氏) - descended from Murakami Genji. - Akechi clanAkechi clanThe is a branch of the Toki clan, which is descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Akechi clan thrived around the later part of the Sengoku period of the 16th century. The Akechi became the head , soryo of the Toki after the Toki fell to the Saitō clan in 1540. The Akechi denied to be under Saito ...
(明智氏) - cadet branch of Toki clanToki clanThe was a powerful clan that ruled in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. It descended from Emperor Seiwa by Minamoto no Yorimitsu from the Minamoto clan and used Toki in Mino Province as their hometown...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Akechi MitsuhideAkechi Mitsuhide, nicknamed Jūbei or called from his clan name and title, was a samurai who lived during the Sengoku period of Feudal Japan.Mitsuhide was a general under daimyo Oda Nobunaga, although he became infamous for his betrayal in 1582, which led to Nobunaga's death at Honno-ji...
. - Akita clanAkita clanFor the feudal domain also known as Akita, see Kubota DomainThe ' was a Japanese samurai clan of northern Honshū that claimed descent from Abe no Sadato. The Akita clan was originally known as the...
(秋田氏) - descended from Abe clan of Ōshū. - Akiyama clanAkiyama clanThe Akiyama clan was a Japanese clan mainly originating during the Sengoku Period of the 16th century . The Akiyama clan were noted relatives of the Takeda clan of Kai province. Due to this fact the Akiyama served under the Takeda until the year of 1582, in which the Takeda was completely wiped out...
(秋山氏) - cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Akizuki clanAkizuki clanThe Akizuki clan is a Japanese noble family from prehistoric age. In the Sengoku period, the Akizuki clan was a king of samurai on Japanese "Akizuki-country" in the Kyūshū island. From after the Sengoku period to end of the World War II, the Akizuki family was a Japanese contemporary noble again...
(秋月氏) - descended from Prince Achi no Omi of the Chinese Han DynastyHan DynastyThe Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
. - Amago clanAmago clanThe , descended from the Emperor Uda by the Sasaki clan .Sasaki Takahisa in the 14th century, having lost his parents at the age of three years, he was brought up by a nun...
(尼子氏) - cadet branch of Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
who descended from Uda Genji. - Amakasu clanAmakasu clanThe was a minor clan during the Sengoku period of Japan. It originated in Echigo Province and eventually had to become a retainer under the powerful Nagao clan and, eventually, the Uesugi clan....
(甘粕氏) - cadet branch of Nitta clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed). - Amakusa clan (天草氏) - descended from Ōkura clan.
- Anayama clan (穴山氏) - cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Andō clanAndo clanThe was a family of samurai who served the Tokugawa clan. In the Edo period, a major branch of the family ruled the Iwakidaira Domain....
- descended from Abe clan of Ōshū, by Abe no HirafuAbe no Hirafuwas a governor of Koshi Province. He fought against the aboriginal inhabitants of Japan . This was in 658...
. - Asakura clanAsakura clanThe ' are descendants of Prince Kusakabe , son of Emperor Temmu .The family was a line of daimyō which, along with the Azai clan, opposed Oda Nobunaga in the late 16th century...
(朝倉氏) - descended from Prince KusakabeKusakabePrince Kusakabe was a Japanese imperial crown prince from 681 until his death. He was the second son of Emperor Temmu. His mother was the empress Unonosarara, today known as Empress Jitō....
son of Emperor TemmuEmperor Temmuwas the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Asano clan (浅野氏) - cadet branch of Toki clanToki clanThe was a powerful clan that ruled in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. It descended from Emperor Seiwa by Minamoto no Yorimitsu from the Minamoto clan and used Toki in Mino Province as their hometown...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
(足利氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Ashikaga ShogunateAshikaga shogunateThe , also known as the , was a Japanese feudal military regime, ruled by the shoguns of the Ashikaga clan.This period is also known as the Muromachi period and gets its name from Muromachi Street of Kyoto where the third shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu established his residence...
; no direct relation to the Fujiwara-descent Ashikaga clanAshikaga clan (Fujiwara)The ' was a branch family of the Japanese Fujiwara clan of court nobles, more specifically Fujiwara no Hidesato of the Northern Fujiwara branch. The clan was a powerful force in the Kantō region during the Heian period... - Ashikaga clan (Fujiwara)Ashikaga clan (Fujiwara)The ' was a branch family of the Japanese Fujiwara clan of court nobles, more specifically Fujiwara no Hidesato of the Northern Fujiwara branch. The clan was a powerful force in the Kantō region during the Heian period...
(足利氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke; no direct relation to the Genji-descent Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
. - Ashina clanAshina clanThe , descended from Taira clan through the Miura clan, was a Japanese clan during the Sengoku period. Sometimes the kanji characters "芦名" and "葦名" are used also. The name came from the area called Ashina in the city of Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture....
(蘆名氏) - cadet branch of Miura clanMiura clanThe ' was one of the branch families descended from the Taira clan. They held large fiefs, and great political influence. They were one of the primary opponents of the Hōjō family of regents, in the mid-13th century, and again at the beginning of the 16th...
who descended from Kammu Heishi. - Aso clan (阿蘇氏) - descended from Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmuwas the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
by the Ō clan. - Asō clan (麻生氏) - cadet branch of Utsunomiya clan who descended from Fujiwara Hokke; famous for Tarō AsōTaro Asowas the 92nd Prime Minister of Japan serving from September 2008 to September 2009, and was defeated in the August 2009 election.He has served in the House of Representatives since 1979. He was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2007, and was Secretary-General of the LDP briefly in 2007 and...
. - Atagi clan (安宅氏) - cadet branch of Ogasawara clanOgasawara clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo (governors) of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed). - Azai clan (浅井氏) - descended from Fujiwara clan; famous for Azai NagamasaAzai Nagamasawas a Daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japan. His clan, the Azai, were located in northern Ōmi Province, east of Lake Biwa. He was both the brother-in-law of Oda Nobunaga, starting in 1564, and one of Nobunaga's enemies from 1570-1573. Nagamasa and his clan were utterly destroyed by Oda...
. - Bitō clan (尾藤氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Chiba clanChiba clanThe ' was a branch family of the Taira clan descended from Chiba no Suke, son of Taira no Tadatsune. Historically, they controlled the city of Chiba, outside Tokyo, and also an area called Soma which included the Grand Shrine of Ise....
(千葉氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi. - Chōsokabe clanChosokabe clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan of the Sengoku period, that controlled Tosa Province , and later Shikoku Island. The clan is sometimes also known as...
(長宗我部氏) - descended from Hata clanHata tribeThe was an immigrant clan active in Japan since the Kofun period, according to the epic history Nihonshoki.Hata is the Japanese reading of the Chinese name 秦 given to the Qin Dynasty , and given to their descendants established in Japan.The Nihonshoki presents the Hata as a clan or house, and not...
(disputed); famous for Chosokabe MotochikaChosokabe Motochikawas a Sengoku period daimyo in Japan. He was the 21st chief of the Chōsokabe clan of Tosa Province . He was the son and heir of Chōsokabe Kunichika and his mother was a daughter of the Saitō clan of Mino Province....
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- Date clan (伊達氏) - also known as Idate clan or Idachi clan, descended from Fujiwara Hokke; famous for Date MasamuneDate Masamunewas a regional strongman of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period through early Edo period. Heir to a long line of powerful daimyo in the Tōhoku region, he went on to found the modern-day city of Sendai...
. - Doi clan (土井氏) - cadet branch of Toki clanToki clanThe was a powerful clan that ruled in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. It descended from Emperor Seiwa by Minamoto no Yorimitsu from the Minamoto clan and used Toki in Mino Province as their hometown...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed); no direct relation to the Heishi-descent Doi clan. - Doi clan (土肥氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi; no direct relation to the Genji-descent Doi clan.
- Gotō clan - cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Hachisuka clanHachisuka clanThe ' are descendants of Emperor Seiwa and are a branch of the Ashikaga clan and the Shiba clan .Ashikaga Ieuji , son of Ashikaga Yasuuji was the first who adopted the name of Shiba...
(蜂須賀氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
by the Shiba clanShiba clanThe was a Japanese clan claiming descent from the Minamoto clan of the Heian era that held influence and territory in the provinces of Echizen province and Owari province to which they were governors during the Sengoku era. However, they were unable to make a transition to Sengoku-daimyo and lost...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
, famous for Hachisuka MasakatsuHachisuka Masakatsu, also Hachisuka Koroku , was a daimyo and retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history. He was the son of Hachisuka Masatoshi....
. - Haga clan (芳賀氏) - descended from Kiyowara clan.
- Hashiba clan (羽柴氏) - also known as their honsei: Toyotomi clanToyotomi clanOriginating in Owari Province, the served as retainers to the Oda clan throughout 16th-century Japan's Sengoku period. -Unity and Conflict:The most influential figure within the Toyotomi was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three "unifiers of Japan." Oda Nobunaga was another primary unifier and the...
(豊臣氏); descended from Toyotomi HideyoshiToyotomi Hideyoshiwas a daimyo warrior, general and politician of the Sengoku period. He unified the political factions of Japan. He succeeded his former liege lord, Oda Nobunaga, and brought an end to the Sengoku period. The period of his rule is often called the Momoyama period, named after Hideyoshi's castle...
. - Hatakeyama clanHatakeyama clanThe ' was a Japanese samurai clan. Originally a branch of the Taira clan and descended from Taira no Takamochi, they fell victim of political intrigue in 1205, when Hatakeyama Shigeyasu, first, and his father Shigetada later were killed in battle by Hōjō forces in Kamakura...
(畠山氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi before 1205. After 1205 the Hatakeyama are a cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Hatano clan (波多野氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Hayashi clanHayashi clanThe was the name of several Japanese clans, of varying origin.*Hayashi clan of Owari Province *Hayashi clan of Confucian scholars *Hayashi clan of the Jōzai Domain...
(林氏) - cadet branch of Kōno clan who descended from Prince IyoIyoIyo may refer to:*In Your Opinion – Internet slang*Iyo, Benin*Iyo City, Japan*the former Iyo Province of Japan*the whole Shikoku island of Japan *the Italian-American Youth Organization*a character from Ani-Yoko...
, son of Emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
. - Hiki clan (比企氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Hirano clan - descended from Prince ToneriPrince Toneri of Japanwas a Japanese imperial prince in the Nara period. He was a son of Emperor Temmu. He was given the posthumous name, , as the father of Emperor Junnin. In the beginning of the Nara period, he gained political power as a leader of imperial family together with Prince Nagaya...
son of Emperor TemmuEmperor Temmuwas the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
, by the Kiyowara clan. - Hitotsuyanagi clan - cadet branch of Kōno clan who descended from Prince IyoIyoIyo may refer to:*In Your Opinion – Internet slang*Iyo, Benin*Iyo City, Japan*the former Iyo Province of Japan*the whole Shikoku island of Japan *the Italian-American Youth Organization*a character from Ani-Yoko...
, son of Emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
. - Hōjō clanHojo clanSee the late Hōjō clan for the Hōjō clan of the Sengoku Period.The in the history of Japan was a family who controlled the hereditary title of shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate. In practice, the family had actual governmental power, many times dictatorial, rather than Kamakura shoguns, or the...
(北条氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi (disputed); no direct relation to the Late Hōjō clanLate Hojo clanThe ' was one of the most powerful warrior clans in Japan in the Sengoku period and held domains primarily in the Kantō region.The clan is traditionally reckoned to be started by Ise Shinkurō, who came from a branch of the prestigious Ise clan, a family in the direct employment of the Ashikaga...
(北条氏) or Kitajō clan (北条氏); regents of the Kamakura ShogunateKamakura shogunateThe Kamakura shogunate was a military dictatorship in Japan headed by the shoguns from 1185 to 1333. It was based in Kamakura. The Kamakura period draws its name from the capital of the shogunate...
. - Late Hōjō clanLate Hojo clanThe ' was one of the most powerful warrior clans in Japan in the Sengoku period and held domains primarily in the Kantō region.The clan is traditionally reckoned to be started by Ise Shinkurō, who came from a branch of the prestigious Ise clan, a family in the direct employment of the Ashikaga...
(後北条氏) - also known as Hōjō clan or Go-Hōjō clan; descended from Kammu Heishi; no direct relation to the regent Hōjō clanHojo clanSee the late Hōjō clan for the Hōjō clan of the Sengoku Period.The in the history of Japan was a family who controlled the hereditary title of shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate. In practice, the family had actual governmental power, many times dictatorial, rather than Kamakura shoguns, or the...
(北条氏) or Kitajō clan (北条氏). - Honma clanHonma clanThe Honma clan is a Japanese clan that ruled the province of Sado between the 12th and 16th century.Yoshihisa Honma was appointed shugodai of Sado in 1185. The clan established its rule from Sawata....
(本間氏) - also known as Homma clan or Honma clan of SadoSado, Niigatais a city located on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, in the Chūbu region of Japan. Since 2004, the city has comprised the entire island, although not all of its total area of 855.26 km2 is urbanized...
; cadet branch of Yokoyama clan who descended from Ono no TakamuraOno no Takamuraalso known as was an early Heian period scholar and poet.-Life:Takamura is a descendant of Ono no Imoko who served as Kenzuishi, and his father was Ono no Minemori. He is the grandfather of Ono no Michikaze, one of the...
(disputed).- Honma clan of Sakata (酒田本間氏) - cadet branch.
- Honda clanHonda clanThe ' is a Japanese family that claims descent from the medieval court noble Fujiwara no Kanemichi. The family settled in Mikawa and served the Matsudaira clan as retainers. Later, when the main Matsudaira family became the Tokugawa clan, the Honda rose in prestige. The clan includes thirteen...
(本多氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke; famous for Honda TadakatsuHonda Tadakatsu, also called Honda Heihachirō , was a Japanese general of the late Sengoku through early Edo period, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu. Honda Tadakatsu was one of the Tokugawa Four Heavenly Kings along with Ii Naomasa, Sakakibara Yasumasa and Sakai Tadatsugu. - Biography :A native of Mikawa Province in...
. - Hosokawa clanHosokawa clanThe ' was a Japanese samurai clan, descended from Emperor Seiwa and a branch of the Minamoto clan, by the Ashikaga clan. It produced many prominent officials in the Ashikaga shogunate's administration. In the Edo period, the Hosokawa clan was one of the largest landholding daimyo families in Japan...
(細川氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
.- Hosokawa Keichō family (細川京兆家) - head family.
- Hosokawa Tenkyū family (細川典厩家) - cadet branch.
- Hosokawa family of Awa (阿波細川氏) - cadet branch; descended from Hosokawa Akiharu.
- Hosokawa family of Ōshū (奥州細川家) - cadet branch; descended from Hosokawa AkiujiHosokawa Akiujiwas a samurai general in the service of the Ashikaga Northern Court, during Japan's Nanboku-chō period.In 1338, he was sent by Ashikaga Takauji to assist in the defence of the Kuromaru, a fortress belonging to Kanrei Shiba Takatsune. His men clashed with fifty horsemen under the command of Nitta...
.
- Hotta clanHotta clanThe was a Japanese clan that ruled the Sakura Domain in the late Edo period. Jindai-ji in the present-day city of Sakura was the clan's bodaiji, or family temple, and has many of the tombstones of prominent members of the Hotta clan.-References: ....
- descended from Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
, by the Minister Takeshi-uchi no Sukune. - Ichijō familyIchijo familyThe was one of five regent houses, branches of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful noble family monopolizing regent positions Sesshō and Kampaku in Japan. The family was founded by Kujō Michiie's third son Ichijō Sanetsune....
(一条家) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Ichijō clan of Tosa (土佐一条氏) - cadet branch of Ichijō familyIchijo familyThe was one of five regent houses, branches of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful noble family monopolizing regent positions Sesshō and Kampaku in Japan. The family was founded by Kujō Michiie's third son Ichijō Sanetsune....
who descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Ii clanIi clanThe ' is a Japanese clan which originates in Tōtōmi Province. It was a retainer clan of the Imagawa family, and then switched sides to the Matsudaira clan of Mikawa Province. A famed 16th century clan member, Ii Naomasa, served as one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's generals, and received the fief of Hikone...
(井伊氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke; famous for Ii NaomasaIi Naomasawas a general under the Sengoku period Daimyo, and later Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He is regarded as one of the Four Guardians of the Tokugawa along with Honda Tadakatsu, Sakakibara Yasumasa and Sakai Tadatsugu.-Early life:...
and Ii NaosukeIi Naosukewas daimyo of Hikone and also Tairō of Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan, a position he held from April 23, 1858 until his death on March 24, 1860. He is most famous for signing the Harris Treaty with the United States, granting access to ports for trade to American merchants and seamen and...
. - Ikeda clan (池田氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; no direct relation to other clans called Ikeda. - Ikeda clan of Iyo (伊予池田氏) - no direct relation to other clans called Ikeda.
- Ikeda clan of Mino (美濃池田氏) - no direct relation to other clans called Ikeda.
- Ikeda clan of Sasaki (池田氏) - cadet branch of Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
; no direct relation to other clans called Ikeda. - Ikeda clan of Settsu (摂津池田氏) - descended from Ki clan (disputed). no direct relation to other clans called Ikeda.
- Imagawa clanImagawa clanThe was a Japanese clan that claimed descent from Emperor Seiwa . It was a branch of the Minamoto clan by the Ashikaga clan.-Origins:Ashikaga Kuniuji, grandson of Ashikaga Yoshiuji, established himself in the 13th century at Imagawa and took its name.Imagawa Norikuni received from his cousin the...
(今川氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Imagawa YoshimotoImagawa Yoshimotowas one of the leading daimyo in the Sengoku period Japan. Based in Suruga Province, he was one of the three daimyo that dominated the Tōkaidō region. He was one of the dominant daimyo in Japan for a time, until his death in 1560....
. - Inaba clanInaba clanThe were a samurai kin group which rose to prominence during the Sengoku and Edo periods. In the Edo period, the Inaba were identified as one of the fudai or insider daimyō clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan, in contrast with the tozama .-Clan branches:The fudai...
- cadet branch of Kōno clan who descended from Prince IyoIyoIyo may refer to:*In Your Opinion – Internet slang*Iyo, Benin*Iyo City, Japan*the former Iyo Province of Japan*the whole Shikoku island of Japan *the Italian-American Youth Organization*a character from Ani-Yoko...
, son of Emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
. - Inoue clanInoue clanThe ' was a samurai clan which came to prominence from the late Kamakura through Edo periods in Japanese history. Mention of an Inoue surname is found in Nara period records; however, the Inoue clan which later became prominent in the Edo period traces its antecedents to the Seiwa Genji line...
(井上氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
.- Inoue clan of Shinano (信濃井上氏) - head family.
- Inoue clan of Aki (安芸井上氏) - cadet branch.
- Inoue clan of Mikawa (三河井上氏) - cadet branch.
- Ishida clan (石田氏) - cadet branch of Miura clanMiura clanThe ' was one of the branch families descended from the Taira clan. They held large fiefs, and great political influence. They were one of the primary opponents of the Hōjō family of regents, in the mid-13th century, and again at the beginning of the 16th...
who descended from Kammu Heishi (disputed). famous for Ishida MitsunariIshida MitsunariIshida Mitsunari was a samurai who led the Western army in the Battle of Sekigahara following the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 17th century. Also known by his court title, Jibunoshō... - Ishikawa clanIshikawa clanThe ' was a Japanese family which claimed descent from Minamoto no Yoshiie. They took their name from the Ishikawa district of Kawachi Province. In the Sengoku Period, the family had two major branches; one of them, which had settled in Mikawa Province in the 15th century, was a family of retainers...
(石川氏) - also known as Ishikawa Genji; descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Ishimaki clan (石巻氏) - descended from Fujiwara Nanke.
- Itō clanIto clanThe ' were a Japanese clan that claimed descent from the medieval warrior Itō Suketoki , who was famous for his involvement in the incident involving the Soga brothers. The family became a moderate power both in influence and ability by the latter Sengoku Period of Feudal Japan...
(伊東氏) - cadet branch of Kudō clan who descended from Fujiwara Nanke. - Itomuku Clan - Clan founded by Zunaku Itomuku.
- Kamiizumi clanKamiizumi clanThe Kamiizumi clan was a Japanese clan that originated in Kai province primarily during the Sengoku Period of the 16th century. The Kamiizumi clan served loyally under the local family of Uesugi throughout the course of the 16th century....
(上泉氏) - cadet branch of Fujiwara-descent Ashikaga clanAshikaga clan (Fujiwara)The ' was a branch family of the Japanese Fujiwara clan of court nobles, more specifically Fujiwara no Hidesato of the Northern Fujiwara branch. The clan was a powerful force in the Kantō region during the Heian period...
who descended Fujiwara Hokke. - Kagawa clanKagawa clanKagawa clan a rather minor Japanese clan during the Sengoku period of Japan. Throughout the course of the Sengoku period, the Kagawa family had very strong bonds with the powerful clan of Chōsokabe, in which they had at many times received members from the Chosokabe family as used for adoptive...
(香川氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi. - Kikkawa clan (吉川氏) - cadet branch of Kudō clan who descended from Fujiwara Nanke. After the mid 16th century they are a cadet branch of the Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
who descended from the Ōe clan, famous for Kikkawa MotoharuKikkawa Motoharuwas the second son of Mōri Motonari, and featured prominently in all the wars of the Mōri clan.When Motoharu was young he was adopted into the Kikkawa clan by Kikkawa Okitsune. He then became head of the family around 1550. Motoharu fought in many battles alongside his brother, Kobayakawa Takakage,...
. - Kikuchi clanKikuchi clanThe of Higo Province was a powerful daimyo family of Higo, Kyūshū. The Kikuchi lineage was renowned for its valiant service in defense of the emperor and against foreign invaders. The clan first distinguished itself during the Jürchen invasion of northern Kyūshū in 1019...
(菊池氏) - descended from Seong of BaekjeSeong of BaekjeSeong of Baekje was the 26th king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was a son of Muryeong of Baekje. He made Buddhism the state religion, moved the national capital, and succeeded in reclaiming the center of the Korean Peninsula, only to be betrayed by an ally.-Foreign relations...
. - Kira clanKira clanThe Kira clan was a Japanese clan, descended from Emperor Seiwa , and was a cadet branch of the Ashikaga family from the Minamoto clan .Ashikaga Mitsuuji, grandson of Ashikaga Yoshiuji was the first to take the name of Kira....
(吉良氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Kira YoshinakaKira Yoshinakawas a kōke . His court title was Kōzuke no suke. He is famous as the adversary of Asano Naganori in the events of the Forty-seven Ronin...
. - Kiso clan (木曾氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Minamoto no YoshinakaMinamoto no Yoshinakawas a general of the late Heian Period of Japanese history. A member of the Minamoto samurai clan, Minamoto no Yoritomo was his cousin and rival during the Genpei War between the Minamoto and the Taira clans....
. - Kitabatake clan (北畠氏) - descended from Murakami Genji.
- Kitajō clan (北条氏) - also known as Kitajō clan of EchigoEchigo Provincewas an old province in north-central Japan, on the shores of the Sea of Japan. It was sometimes called , with Echizen and Etchū Provinces. Today the area is part of Niigata Prefecture, which also includes the island which was the old Sado Province. This province was the northernmost part of the...
or Mōri Kitajō clan; cadet branch of Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
; no direct relation to the Hōjō clanHojo clanSee the late Hōjō clan for the Hōjō clan of the Sengoku Period.The in the history of Japan was a family who controlled the hereditary title of shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate. In practice, the family had actual governmental power, many times dictatorial, rather than Kamakura shoguns, or the...
(北条氏) or Late Hōjō clanLate Hojo clanThe ' was one of the most powerful warrior clans in Japan in the Sengoku period and held domains primarily in the Kantō region.The clan is traditionally reckoned to be started by Ise Shinkurō, who came from a branch of the prestigious Ise clan, a family in the direct employment of the Ashikaga...
(北条氏). - Kiyowara clan (清原氏) - descended from Prince ToneriPrince Toneri of Japanwas a Japanese imperial prince in the Nara period. He was a son of Emperor Temmu. He was given the posthumous name, , as the father of Emperor Junnin. In the beginning of the Nara period, he gained political power as a leader of imperial family together with Prince Nagaya...
, son of the Emperor TemmuEmperor Temmuwas the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Temmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.-Traditional narrative:...
(631-686). - Kobayakawa clanKobayakawa clanThe Kobayakawa clan was a samurai clan of Japan's Sengoku period, whose holdings were in Kyūshū, the southernmost of Japan's main islands. Members of the Kobayakawa family served under the Mōri clan, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi...
(小早川氏) - cadet branch of Doi clan who descended from Kammu Heishi. After the mid 16th century they are a cadet branch of the Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
who descended from the Ōe clan, famous for Kobayakawa TakakageKobayakawa Takakagewas a samurai retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during Japan's Sengoku period, and the son of Mōri Motonari. Adopted by the head of the Kobayakawa clan, Takakage took his name, and succeeded his adoptive father to become head of the Kobayakawa clan following his death in 1545.As head of the Kobayakawa...
and Kobayakawa HideakiKobayakawa HideakiKobayakawa Hideaki was fifth son of Kinoshita Iesada and the nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.He was adopted by Hideyoshi and called himself Hashiba Hidetoshi and Shusen . He was then again adopted by Kobayakawa Takakage and renamed himself Hideaki...
. - Kodama clan (児玉氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Koga clan (久我家) - descended from Murakami Genji.
- Kōno clan (河野氏) - descended from Prince IyoIyoIyo may refer to:*In Your Opinion – Internet slang*Iyo, Benin*Iyo City, Japan*the former Iyo Province of Japan*the whole Shikoku island of Japan *the Italian-American Youth Organization*a character from Ani-Yoko...
son of Emperor KammuEmperor Kammuwas the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...
. - Konoe familyKonoe familyThe Konoe family is a branch of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful noble family in Japan. As one of the five regent houses, the Konoe family monopolized the offices of Sessho and Kampaku along with Takatsukasa, Kujō, Ichijō and Nijō families. They are collectively known as the Five regent houses.With...
(近衛家) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke. famous for Konoe FumimaroFumimaro KonoePrince was a politician in the Empire of Japan who served as the 34th, 38th and 39th Prime Minister of Japan and founder/leader of the Taisei Yokusankai.- Early life :...
. - Kudō clan (工藤氏) - descended from Fujiwara Nanke.
- Kujō familyKujō familyThe Kujō family was a Japanese noble family and a branch of the Fujiwara clan derived from Fujiwara no Tadamichi. They were counted as one of the Sekke, the five regent houses and therefore one of the most politically powerful families among the kuge .As one of the Sekke, the five regent houses,...
(九条家) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Kyōgoku clanKyōgoku clanThe were a Japanese samurai kin group which rose to prominence during the Sengoku and Edo periods. The clan claimed descent from the Uda Genji. The name derives from the Kyōgoku quarter of Kyoto during the Heian period....
(京極氏) - cadet branch of Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
who descended from Uda Genji. - Maeda clanMaeda clanThe was a branch of the Sugawara clan who descended from Sugawara no Kiyotomo and Sugawara no Michizane in the eighth and ninth centuries. It was one of the most powerful samurai families in Japan and they were second only to the Tokugawa clan in rice production and fief size...
(前田氏) - descended from Sugawara clan. famous for Maeda ToshiieMaeda Toshiiewas one of the leading generals of Oda Nobunaga following the Sengoku period of the 16th century extending to the Azuchi-Momoyama period. His father was Maeda Toshimasa. He was the fourth of seven brothers. His childhood name was "Inuchiyo" . His preferred weapon was a yari and he was known as...
. - Matsuda clanMatsuda clanThe ' is a Japanese family tracing its origins to Bizen Province, and heirs of Fujiwara no Hidesato.Notable members of the clan include: Matsuda Mototaka....
(松田氏) - cadet branch of Hatano clan who descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Matsudaira clanMatsudaira clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan that claimed descent from the Minamoto clan. It first originated in and took its name from Matsudaira village, in Mikawa Province . Over the course of its history, the clan produced many branches, most of which also centered around Mikawa Province...
(松平氏) - cadet branch of Nitta clan, by the Tokugawa clanTokugawa clanThe was a powerful daimyo family of Japan. They nominally descended from Emperor Seiwa and were a branch of the Minamoto clan by the Nitta clan. However, the early history of this clan remains a mystery.-History:...
descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed); famous for Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasuwas the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
. - Matsumae clanMatsumae clanThe was a Japanese clan which was granted the area around Matsumae, Hokkaidō as a march fief in 1590 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and charged with defending it, and by extension all of Japan, from the Ainu 'barbarians' to the north. The clan was originally known as the Kakizaki clan who settled...
- cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; - Miura clanMiura clanThe ' was one of the branch families descended from the Taira clan. They held large fiefs, and great political influence. They were one of the primary opponents of the Hōjō family of regents, in the mid-13th century, and again at the beginning of the 16th...
(三浦氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi. - Mikumo clan (三雲氏) - cadet branch of Kodama clan who descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Miyoshi clan (三好氏) - cadet branch of Takeda clan, by the Ogasawara clanOgasawara clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo (governors) of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; no direct relation to the Fujiwara-descent Miyoshi clan (三吉氏); famous for Miyoshi Nagayoshi. - Miyoshi clan (三吉氏) - descended from Fujiwara clan; no direct relation to the Ogasahara-descent Miyoshi clan (三好氏).
- Mogami clanMogami clanThe were Japanese daimyo, and were a branch of the Ashikaga family. In the Sengoku period, it was the Sengoku Daimyo which ruled Dewa Province which is now Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture ....
(最上氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Mori clanMori clan (Genji)The was a family of Japanese people descended from the Seiwa Genji. Their line descended from Minamoto no Yoshiie through his seventh son, Minamoto no Yoshitaka, proprietor of Mori-no-shō in Sagami Province...
(森氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Mori RanmaruMori Ranmaru, born Mori Nagasada , was the son of Mori Yoshinari, and had 5 brothers in total, from the province of Mino. He was a member of the Mori Clan, descendants of the Seiwa Genji....
. - Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
(毛利氏) - descended from Ōe clan; no direct relation to the Genji-descent Mōri clanMori clan (Genji)The was a family of Japanese people descended from the Seiwa Genji. Their line descended from Minamoto no Yoshiie through his seventh son, Minamoto no Yoshitaka, proprietor of Mori-no-shō in Sagami Province...
(毛利氏) or Fujiwara-descent Mōri clan (毛利氏); famous for Mōri MotonariMori Motonariwas a prominent daimyō in the west Chūgoku region of Japan during the Sengoku period of the 16th century.-Early years:Mōri Motonari was born under the name Shojumaru in a small domain of Aki province in 1497. He is said to have been born at Suzuo Castle, his mother's homeland...
and his sons.- Mōri clan of Inaba (因幡毛利氏) - cadet branch.
- Mōri clanMori clan (Genji)The was a family of Japanese people descended from the Seiwa Genji. Their line descended from Minamoto no Yoshiie through his seventh son, Minamoto no Yoshitaka, proprietor of Mori-no-shō in Sagami Province...
(毛利氏) - descended from Uda Genji; no direct relation to Ōe-descent Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
(毛利氏) or Fujiwara-descent Mōri clan (毛利氏); - Mōri clan (毛利氏) - descended from Fujiwara clan (disputed); no direct relation to Ōe-descent Mōri clanMori clanThe Mōri clan was a family of daimyō, descended from Ōe no Hiromoto and established themselves in Aki Province. Their name was derived from a shōen in Mōri, Aikō District, Sagami Province. The generation of Hiromoto began to name themselves Mōri.After the Jōkyū War, Mōri was appointed to the jitō...
(毛利氏) or Genji-descent Mōri clanMori clan (Genji)The was a family of Japanese people descended from the Seiwa Genji. Their line descended from Minamoto no Yoshiie through his seventh son, Minamoto no Yoshitaka, proprietor of Mori-no-shō in Sagami Province...
(毛利氏); - Murakami clan (村上氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
.- Murakami clan of Inland Sea (村上水軍) - also known as Murakami Suigun; famous for their naval forces.
- Murakami clan of Innoshima (因島村上氏)
- Murakami clan of Kurushima (来島村上氏)
- Murakami clan of Nōnoshima (能島村上氏)
- Murakami clan of Shinano (信濃村上氏) - also known as Shinshū Murakami clan; famous for Murakami YoshikiyoMurakami YoshikiyoMurakami Yoshikiyo a retainer of the Japanese clan of Uesugi during the Sengoku Period of the 16th century. Yoshikiyo followed in fighting against both Takeda Nobutora and his son Takeda Shingen. Yoshikiyo was also a very close ally under Uesugi Kenshin.He fought at the Battles of Kawanakajima in...
.
- Murakami clan of Inland Sea (村上水軍) - also known as Murakami Suigun; famous for their naval forces.
- Nagao clan (長尾氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi; famous for Uesugi KenshinUesugi Kenshinwas a daimyo who ruled Echigo province in the Sengoku period of Japan.He was one of the most powerful lords of the Sengoku period. While chiefly remembered for his prowess on the battlefield, Kenshin is also regarded as an extremely skillful administrator who fostered the growth of local industries...
. - Nabeshima clanNabeshima clanThe Nabeshima clan was a prominent Japanese samurai clan of Kyūshū which controlled Saga Domain from the late Sengoku period through the Edo period.The Nabeshima clan was a cadet branch of the Shōni clan and was descended from the Fujiwara clan...
(鍋島氏) - cadet branch of Shōni clanShoni clanwas a family of Japanese nobles descended from the Fujiwara family, many of whom held high government offices in Kyūshū. Prior to the Kamakura period , "Shōni" was originally a title and post within the Kyūshū government, roughly translating to "Junior Counselor", and working under a Daini...
who descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Niiro clan (新納氏) - cadet branch of Shimazu clanShimazu familyThe were the daimyō of the Satsuma han, which spread over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan.The Shimazu were identified as one of the tozama or outsider daimyō clans in contrast with the fudai or insider clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan,The Shimazu were...
of the Satsuma Domain who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Nakamura clan (:ja:中村)
- Nambu clan (南部氏) - cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Nijō familyNijo familyThe was one of five regent houses, branches of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful noble family that monopolized regent positions Sesshō and Kampaku in Japan. The family was founded by Kujō Michiie's second son Nijō Yoshizane, while his third son Ichijō Sanetsune founded Ichijō family.-External links:* ...
(二条家) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Nitta clanNitta familyThe ' was one of several major families descended from the Seiwa Genji, and numbered among the chief enemies of the Ashikaga shogunate, and later the Hōjō clan regents...
(新田氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Nitta YoshisadaNitta Yoshisadawas the head of the Nitta family in the early fourteenth century, and supported the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo in the Nanboku-chō period, capturing Kamakura from the Hōjō clan in 1333....
. - Niwa clanNiwa clanThe ' was a Japanese samurai clan which rose to prominence in the Sengoku period. Its members claimed descent from the medieval Kodama family. Famous clan members included Oda Nobunaga's senior retainer Niwa Nagahide, as well as Nagahide's 19th century descendants Niwa Nagatomi, Niwa Nagakuni, and...
(丹羽氏) - cadet branch of Kodama clan who descended from Fujiwara Hokke (disputed); no direct relation to the Isshiki-descent Niwa clan (丹羽氏). - Niwa clan (丹羽氏) - caded branch of Isshiki clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; no direct relation to the Kodama-descent Niwa clan (丹羽氏).
- Oda clanOda clanThe was a family of Japanese daimyo who were to become an important political force in the unification of Japan in the mid-16th century. Though they had the climax of their fame under Oda Nobunaga and fell from the spotlight soon after, several branches of the family would continue on as daimyo...
(織田氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi; famous for Oda NobunagaOda Nobunagawas the initiator of the unification of Japan under the shogunate in the late 16th century, which ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He was also a major daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. His opus was continued, completed and finalized by his successors Toyotomi...
. - Ōta clanOta clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ota are best known as daimyō of territories on Kyūshū during the Edo period ....
- descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Ōta DōkanOta Dokan, also known as Ōta Sukenaga or Ōta Dōkan Sukenaga, was a Japanese samurai warrior-poet, military tactician and Buddhist monk. Ōta Sukenaga took the tonsure as a Buddhist priest in 1478, and he also adopted the Buddhist name, Dōkan, by which is known today...
. - Ogasawara clanOgasawara clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a Japanese samurai clan descended from the Seiwa Genji. The Ogasawara acted as shugo (governors) of Shinano province in the medieval period The was a...
(小笠原氏) - cadet branch of Takeda clan descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Ōtomo clan (大友氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke; no direct relation to the ancient Ōtomo clan (大友氏) or Ōtomo clan (大伴氏); famous for Ōtomo SōrinOtomo Sorin, also known as Fujiwara no Yoshishige and Ōtomo Yoshishige , was a Japanese feudal lord of the Ōtomo clan, one of the few to have converted to Christianity. The eldest son of Ōtomo Yoshiaki, he inherited the domain of Funai, on Kyūshū, Japan's southernmost main island, from his father...
. - Ōuchi clan (大内氏) - descended from Tatara clan.
- Rokkaku clanRokkaku clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan which wielded considerable power in the Muromachi period under the Ashikaga shogunate.-Rise and Fall:Founded by Sasaki Yasutsuna of Ōmi province in the 13th century, the name Rokkaku was taken from their residence within Kyoto; however, many members of this family...
(六角氏) - cadet branch of Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
who descended from Uda Genji. - Sagara clanSagara clanThe Sagara clan was a Japanese clan during the Sengoku period. It was a tactical ally of the Shimazu clan....
(相良氏) - descended from Fujiwara Nanke. - Saitō clanSaito clanThe was a Japanese clan in Mino Province during the Sengoku period in the 16th century. According to records, the Saitō clan descended from the Fujiwara clan...
(斉藤氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke; famous for Saitō DōsanSaito Dosanwas a daimyo who dramatically rose and also fell from power in Sengoku period Japan. He was also known as the for his ruthless tactics.-Life:Originally a wealthy merchant from Yamashiro Province , he entered the service of Nagai Nagahiro of Mino Province , assuming the name Nishimura Kankurô.He...
. - Sakai clanSakai clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan that claimed descent from the Nitta branch of the Minamoto clan, who were in turn descendants of Emperor Seiwa. Serata Arichika, a samurai of the 14th century, was the common ancestor of both the Sakai clan and the Matsudaira clan, which the Sakai later served...
(酒井氏) - cadet branch of Nitta clan, by the Tokugawa clanTokugawa clanThe was a powerful daimyo family of Japan. They nominally descended from Emperor Seiwa and were a branch of the Minamoto clan by the Nitta clan. However, the early history of this clan remains a mystery.-History:...
descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Sakuma clan (佐久間氏) - cadet branch of Miura clanMiura clanThe ' was one of the branch families descended from the Taira clan. They held large fiefs, and great political influence. They were one of the primary opponents of the Hōjō family of regents, in the mid-13th century, and again at the beginning of the 16th...
who descended from Kammu Heishi - Sanada clanSanada clanThe was a Japanese clan which rose to prominence in the Sengoku period. During the Edo era, the Sanada ruled the Matsushiro Domain, where they remained until the Meiji Restoration.-Sengoku period:...
(真田氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed); famous for Sanada Nobushige who is more commonly known as Sanada YukimuraSanada Yukimurawas a Japanese samurai, second son of the Sengoku period daimyo Sanada Masayuki . His proper name was Sanada Nobushige , named after Takeda Shingen's younger brother Takeda Nobushige, who was a brave and respected warrior. He and his father were known as being excellent military tacticians...
. - Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
(佐々木氏) - descended from Uda Genji. - Satake clanSatake clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan that claimed descent from the Minamoto clan. Its first power base was in Hitachi Province. The clan was subdued by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the late 12th century, but later entered Yoritomo's service as vassals...
(佐竹氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Shiba clanShiba clanThe was a Japanese clan claiming descent from the Minamoto clan of the Heian era that held influence and territory in the provinces of Echizen province and Owari province to which they were governors during the Sengoku era. However, they were unable to make a transition to Sengoku-daimyo and lost...
(斯波氏) - cadet branch of Ashikaga clanAshikaga clanThe ' was a prominent Japanese samurai clan which established the Muromachi shogunate and ruled Japan from roughly 1336 to 1573.The Ashikaga were descended from a branch of the Minamoto clan, deriving originally from the town of Ashikaga in Shimotsuke province .For about a century the clan was...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
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- Shimazu clanShimazu familyThe were the daimyō of the Satsuma han, which spread over Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan.The Shimazu were identified as one of the tozama or outsider daimyō clans in contrast with the fudai or insider clans which were hereditary vassals or allies of the Tokugawa clan,The Shimazu were...
(島津氏) - also known as Satsuma Clan; descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Shimazu YoshihiroShimazu Yoshihirowas the second son of Shimazu Takahisa and younger brother of Shimazu Yoshihisa. It had traditionally been believed that he became the seventeenth head of the Shimazu clan after Yoshihisa, but it is currently believed that he let Yoshihisa keep his position....
. - Shinmen clanShinmen clanThe ' was a Japanese clan that flourished during the 15th–16th and 17th centuries of Japan. The clan resided in Western Kyoto.-History:...
(新免氏) - also known as Shimmen clan; cadet branch of Akamatsu clanAkamatsu clanThe was a Japanese samurai family of direct descent from Minamoto no Morifusa. They were prominent shugo-daimyō in Harima during the Sengoku period.-Select members of the clan:* Akamatsu Norimura .* Akamatsu Norisuke ....
who descended from Murakami Genji. - Sō clanSo clanThe Sō were a Japanese clan claiming descent from Taira Tomomori. The clan governed and held Tsushima Island from the 13th-century through the late 19th-century, from the Kamakura period until the end of the Edo period and the Meiji restoration....
(宗氏) - descended from Koremune clan. - Sogō clan (十河氏) - descended from Emperor KeikōEmperor Keiko; also known as Ootarashihikooshirowake no Sumeramikoto, was the 12th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 71–130.-Legendary narrative:Keikō is...
. - Sōma clanSoma clanThe was a Japanese clan of Mutsu Province which was famous for its actions during the 16th century Sengoku Period. Claiming descent from Taira Masakado, the family was politically important from the early Nanbokucho Period on, especially as supporters of Ashikaga Takauji...
(相馬氏) - cadet branch of Chiba clanChiba clanThe ' was a branch family of the Taira clan descended from Chiba no Suke, son of Taira no Tadatsune. Historically, they controlled the city of Chiba, outside Tokyo, and also an area called Soma which included the Grand Shrine of Ise....
who descended from Kammu Heishi.- Sōma clan of Ōshū (奥州相馬氏) - head family.
- Sōma clan of Shimōsa (下総相馬氏) - cadet branch.
- Sue clan (陶氏) - cadet branch of Ōuchi clan who descended from Tatara clan. famous for Sue HarukataSue Harukatawas a retainer of the Ōuchi clan in the Sengoku period in Japan. Harukata would later become a daimyo. He was the second son of Sue Okifusa, senior retainer of the Ōuchi clan. His childhood name was Goro. Before Harukata he had the name of Takafusa...
. - Sugi clan (杉氏) - cadet branch of Sasaki clanSasaki clanare a historical Japanese clan. - Brief history :They are descended directly from Emperor Uda by his grandson Minamoto no Masanobu , but were adopted by the Seiwa Genji...
who descended from Uda Genji; famous for Yoshida ShōinYoshida ShoinYoshida Shōin was one of the most distinguished intellectuals in the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate...
. - Suwa clanSuwa clanThe was a Japanese clan which claimed descent from the Seiwa Genji. It was a powerful clan of Shinano Province, particularly during the Sengoku period, when it had frequent clashes with its neighbor in Kai, the Takeda clan. The Suwa served as Takeda retainers for some time, and after the fall of...
(諏訪氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Tachibana clan (立花氏) - cadet branch of Ōtomo clan, descended from Ōtomo Yoshinao; no direct relation to the ancient Tachibana clanTachibana clan (kuge)The Tachibana clan was one of the four most powerful kuge families in Japan's Nara and early Heian periods. Members of the Tachibana family often held high court posts within the Daijō-kan , most frequently Sadaijin...
(橘氏); famous for Tachibana GinchiyoTachibana Ginchiyowas the head of the Japanese clan of Tachibana during the Sengoku Period of the 16th century. Ginchiyo was the daughter of Tachibana Dōsetsu, retainer of the Ōtomo . Because Dosetsu had no sons, he requested that Ginchiyo be made family head after his death...
and her husband Tachibana MuneshigeTachibana Muneshige, known in his youth as Senkumaru and alternatively called Tachibana Munetora , was a samurai during the Azuchi–Momoyama period and a Edo Period daimyo. He was the eldest biological son of Takahashi Shigetane, a retainer of Ōtomo clan...
. - Takamu Clan - Clan founded by Mushinto Takamu, Resided in the EdoEdo, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
area. - Takanashi clanTakanashi clanThe Takanashi clan of Shinano Province were direct descendants of Minamoto no Yorisue, son of Yorinobu. One of the grandsons of Yorisue soon on took the name Takanashi. Takanashi Tadanao was a noted retainer of the Minamoto clan during the Genpei War...
(高梨氏) - cadet branch of Inoue clanInoue clanThe ' was a samurai clan which came to prominence from the late Kamakura through Edo periods in Japanese history. Mention of an Inoue surname is found in Nara period records; however, the Inoue clan which later became prominent in the Edo period traces its antecedents to the Seiwa Genji line...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
(disputed). - Takaoka clanTakaoka clan- Fujiwara clan, Hatta Tomoie's descendant :This clan's origin is a descendant of Hatta clan in Hitachi Province. Hatta clan are descended directly from Lord Fujiwara no Kamatari by his grandson Hatta Tomoie , Takaoka Yasushige, grandson of Hatta Tomoie...
(高岡氏) - descended from Uda Genji or Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Takatsukasa familyTakatsukasa familyThe Takatsukasa family is a branch of the Fujiwara clan of Japan. In the 13th century, the main line of the Fujiwara family split into five houses: Konoe, Takatsukasa, Kujō, Nijō and Ichijō. These five families in turn provided regents for the Emperor, and were thus known as the Five Regent...
(鷹司家) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Takeda clan (武田氏) - also known as Takeda clan of KaiKai Province, also known as , is an old province in Japan in the area of Yamanashi Prefecture. It lies in central Honshū, west of Tokyo, in a landlocked mountainous region that includes Mount Fuji along its border with Shizuoka Prefecture....
; descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Takeda ShingenTakeda Shingen, of Kai Province, was a preeminent daimyo in feudal Japan with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period.-Name:Shingen was called "Tarō" or "Katsuchiyo" during his childhood...
.- Takeda clan of AkiTakeda clan (Aki)The Takeda clan of Aki was a cadet branch of the famed Takeda clan of Kai Province, descended from Emperor Seiwa and the Minamoto clan .The Takeda of Wakasa were a cadet branch of the Takeda of Aki....
(安芸武田氏) - cadet branch. - Takeda clan of Kazusa (上総武田氏) - cadet branch.
- Takeda clan of Wakasa (若狭武田氏) - cadet branch.
- Takeda clan of Aki
- Takenaka clanTakenaka clanThe is a Japanese family descended from the Seiwa Genji line's Toki branch..The family, with holdings in the Fuwa district of Mino Province, was founded by Iwate Shigeuji, who was the first to take the name Takenaka.....
(竹中氏) - cadet branch of Toki clanToki clanThe was a powerful clan that ruled in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. It descended from Emperor Seiwa by Minamoto no Yorimitsu from the Minamoto clan and used Toki in Mino Province as their hometown...
who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Takigawa clan (滝川氏) - descended from Ki clan or Tomo clan (disputed).
- Tanegashima clanTanegashima clanThe is a Japanese clan that originated on Tanegashima Island, just south of Kyūshū. From the Sengoku era to the start of the Meiji era, the Tanegashima were retainers of the Shimazu clan of Satsuma Province.- External links :*...
(種子島氏) - descended from Kammu Heishi (disputed); famous for production of early firearmFirearmA firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
s. - Toda clan (戸田氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Toki clanToki clanThe was a powerful clan that ruled in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. It descended from Emperor Seiwa by Minamoto no Yorimitsu from the Minamoto clan and used Toki in Mino Province as their hometown...
(土岐氏) - descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
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- Tokugawa clanTokugawa clanThe was a powerful daimyo family of Japan. They nominally descended from Emperor Seiwa and were a branch of the Minamoto clan by the Nitta clan. However, the early history of this clan remains a mystery.-History:...
(徳川氏) - descended from Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasuwas the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
from Matsudaira clanMatsudaira clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan that claimed descent from the Minamoto clan. It first originated in and took its name from Matsudaira village, in Mikawa Province . Over the course of its history, the clan produced many branches, most of which also centered around Mikawa Province...
; famous for Tokugawa ShogunateTokugawa shogunateThe Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the and the , was a feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family. This period is known as the Edo period and gets its name from the capital city, Edo, which is now called Tokyo, after the name was...
.- Tokugawa Shogun family (徳川将軍家) - head family.
- Tokugawa family of Kōfu (甲府徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa Tsunashige, 3rd son of Tokugawa IemitsuTokugawa IemitsuTokugawa Iemitsu was the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty. He was the eldest son of Tokugawa Hidetada, and the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Iemitsu ruled from 1623 to 1651.-Early life :...
. - Tokugawa family of Tatebayashi (館林徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa TsunayoshiTokugawa Tsunayoshiwas the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty of Japan. He was the younger brother of Tokugawa Ietsuna, thus making him the son of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the grandson of Tokugawa Hidetada, and the great-grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu....
. - Tokugawa Yoshinobu familyTokugawa Yoshinobu-keThe was founded in 1902 when Emperor Meiji permitted Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last Shōgun of Japan, to found a house with the highest rank of nobility, kōshaku...
(徳川慶喜家) - descended from Tokugawa YoshinobuTokugawa Yoshinobuwas the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. He was part of a movement which aimed to reform the aging shogunate, but was ultimately unsuccessful...
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- Tokugawa family of Kōfu (甲府徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa Tsunashige, 3rd son of Tokugawa Iemitsu
- GosankeGosankeThe , also called simply Gosanke or even Sanke, were three branches of the Tokugawa clan of Japan descended from clan founder Tokugawa Ieyasu's three youngest sons, Yoshinao, Yorinobu and Yorifusa and allowed to provide a shogun in case of need. The three houses were called Owari House of Tokugawa,...
(御三家)- Tokugawa family of Kishū (紀州徳川家) - also known as Kii Tokugawa family; descended from Tokugawa YorinobuTokugawa Yorinobuwas a Japanese daimyo of the early Edo period.Born under the name Nagafukumaru, he was the 10th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, by his concubine Oman-no-kata. On December 8, 1603, Yorinobu received the fief of Mito, then rated at 200,000 koku, as his fief. Mito had formerly belonged to his older brother,...
, 10th son of Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasuwas the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
; famous for Tokugawa YoshimuneTokugawa Yoshimunewas the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, ruling from 1716 until his abdication in 1745. He was the son of Tokugawa Mitsusada, the grandson of Tokugawa Yorinobu, and the great-grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu.-Lineage:...
and Tokugawa IemochiTokugawa Iemochiwas the 14th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, who held office 1858 to 1866. During his reign there was much internal turmoil as a result of Japan's first major contact with the United States, which occurred under Commodore Perry in 1853 and 1854, and of the subsequent "re-opening" of...
. - Tokugawa family of MitoMito branchThe are a branch of the Tokugawa clan based in Mito, Ibaraki.- History :Following the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu appointed his eleventh son, Tokugawa Yorifusa, as daimyo in 1608. With his appointment, Yorifusa became the founding member of the Mito branch of...
(水戸徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa YorifusaTokugawa Yorifusa, also known as Mito Yorifusa, was a Japanese daimyo of the early Edo period.- Biography :Known in his childhood as Tsuruchiyomaru, he was the eleventh son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun...
, 11th son of Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasuwas the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
; famous for Tokugawa MitsukuniTokugawa Mitsukunior was a prominent daimyo who was known for his influence in the politics of the early Edo period. He was the third son of Tokugawa Yorifusa and succeeded him, becoming the second daimyo of the Mito domain....
.- Tokugawa family of Matsudo (松戸徳川家) - cadet branch of Tokugawa family of MitoMito branchThe are a branch of the Tokugawa clan based in Mito, Ibaraki.- History :Following the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu appointed his eleventh son, Tokugawa Yorifusa, as daimyo in 1608. With his appointment, Yorifusa became the founding member of the Mito branch of...
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- Tokugawa family of Matsudo (松戸徳川家) - cadet branch of Tokugawa family of Mito
- Tokugawa family of Owari (尾張徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa YoshinaoTokugawa Yoshinaowas a Japanese daimyo of the early Edo period.- Biography :Born as the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, his childhood name was Gorōtamaru. While still a young child, he was appointed leader of first the fief of Kofu in Kai Province and later the fief of Kiyosu in Owari Province...
, 9th son of Tokugawa IeyasuTokugawa Ieyasuwas the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
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- Tokugawa family of Kishū (紀州徳川家) - also known as Kii Tokugawa family; descended from Tokugawa Yorinobu
- GosankyoGosankyoThe ' were three branches of the Tokugawa clan of Japan. They were descended from the eighth of the fifteen Tokugawa shoguns, Yoshimune . Yoshimune established the Gosankyo to augment the Gosanke, the heads of the powerful han of Owari, Kishū, and Mito...
(御三卿)- Tokugawa family of Hitotsubashi (一橋徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa MunetadaTokugawa Munetadawas a Japanese samurai of the mid-Edo period who was the founder of the Hitotsubashi-Tokugawa family, one of the Gosankyō, the three lesser branches of the Tokugawa family. He was the fourth son of Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun. Munetada's wife was Tomohime , the daughter of the imperial...
, 4th son of Tokugawa YoshimuneTokugawa Yoshimunewas the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, ruling from 1716 until his abdication in 1745. He was the son of Tokugawa Mitsusada, the grandson of Tokugawa Yorinobu, and the great-grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu.-Lineage:...
. - Tokugawa family of Shimizu (清水徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa ShigeyoshiTokugawa Shigeyoshiwas a Japanese samurai of the mid-Edo period who was the founder of the Shimizu-Tokugawa family, one of the Gosankyō, the three lesser branches of the Tokugawa family. He was the second son of Tokugawa Ieshige, the ninth shogun.-References:...
, 2nd son of Tokugawa IeshigeTokugawa IeshigeTokugawa Ieshige; 徳川 家重 was the ninth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.The first son of Tokugawa Yoshimune, his mother was the daughter of Okubo Tadanao, known as Osuma no kata. His childhood name was Nagatomi-maru. He underwent the genpuku coming-of-age ceremony in 1725...
. - Tokugawa family of Tayasu (田安徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa MunetakeTokugawa Munetakewas a Japanese samurai of the mid-Edo period, also known as Tayasu Munetake . The first head of the Tayasu branch of the Tokugawa clan, he held daimyo-level income, but was not a daimyo himself, instead having his residence inside the Tayasu gate of Edo Castle.The 2nd son of the 8th shogun...
, 2nd son of Tokugawa YoshimuneTokugawa Yoshimunewas the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, ruling from 1716 until his abdication in 1745. He was the son of Tokugawa Mitsusada, the grandson of Tokugawa Yorinobu, and the great-grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu.-Lineage:...
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- Tokugawa family of Hitotsubashi (一橋徳川家) - descended from Tokugawa Munetada
- Tokugawa Shogun family (徳川将軍家) - head family.
- Tsugaru clanTsugaru clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan originating in northern Japan, specifically Mutsu Province . A branch of the local Nanbu clan, the Tsugaru rose to power during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It was on the winning side of the Battle of Sekigahara, and entered the Edo period as a family of lords ...
(津軽氏) - also known as Ōura clan; descended from Fujiwara Hokke. - Tsutsui clanTsutsui clanTsutsui clan a Japanese clan originating during the Sengoku period of Japan. Throughout the time of the 16th century, the Tsutsui clan would mainly control the Yamato province, due to the efforts of the feudal lord Tsutsui Junkei. The Tsutsui soon on became a retainer family under that of the Oda...
(筒井氏) - descended from Fujiwara clan; famous for Tsutsui JunkeiTsutsui Junkeison of Tsusui Junshō, and a Daimyo of the province of Yamato.Very early on, Junkei had his castle taken away by Matsunaga Hisahide, one of the most powerful warriors of the region in feudal Japan at that time. Later by joining forces of Oda Nobunaga, Junkei defeated Hisahide at Mount Shigi in 1577...
. - Uesugi clanUesugi clanThe was a Japanese samurai clan, descended from the Fujiwara clan and particularly notable for their power in the Muromachi and Sengoku periods ....
(上杉氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.- Uesugi family of Inukake (犬懸上杉家) - descended from Uesugi Norifuji.
- Uesugi family of Ōgigayatsu (扇谷上杉家) - descended from Uesugi Shigeaki.
- Uesugi family of Takuma (宅間上杉家) - descended from Uesugi Shigeyoshi.
- Uesugi family of Yamanouchi (山内上杉家) - descended from Uesugi Noriaki; famous for Uesugi KenshinUesugi Kenshinwas a daimyo who ruled Echigo province in the Sengoku period of Japan.He was one of the most powerful lords of the Sengoku period. While chiefly remembered for his prowess on the battlefield, Kenshin is also regarded as an extremely skillful administrator who fostered the growth of local industries...
.- Uesugi family of Fukaya (深谷上杉家) - also known as Kobanawa Uesugi family; descended from Uesugi Norifusa.
- Ukita clan (宇喜多氏) - descended from Kojima Takanori of Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
; famous for Ukita HideieUkita Hideiewas the daimyo of Bizen and Mimasaka provinces , and one of the council of Five Elders appointed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Son of Ukita Naoie, he married Gohime, a daughter of Maeda Toshiie...
. - Urakami clanUrakami clanThe Urakami clan was a Japanese clan that was settled at Bizen Province during the Sengoku Period of the 16th century.The death of Urakami Norimune in 1502 resulted in Matsuda Motokatsu seizing the opportunity to lead a full-scale assault on the Urakami...
(浦上氏) - descended from Emperor KōgenEmperor Kogen, also known as Ooyamatonekohikokunikuru no Mikoto, was the eighth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 214 BC–158 BC.-Legendary narrative:Modern...
by the Ki clan. - Utsunomiya clan (宇都宮氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Utsunomiya clan of Shimotsuke (下野宇都宮氏) - head family.
- Utsunomiya clan of Buzen (豊前宇都宮氏) - cadet branch.
- Utsunomiya clan of Chikugo (筑後宇都宮氏) - cadet branch.
- Utsunomiya clan of Iyo (伊予宇都宮氏) - cadet branch.
- Wakiya clan (脇屋氏) - cadet branch of Nitta clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Watanabe clanWatanabeWatanabe is the fifth most common Japanese surname.The first to be named Watanabe were kuge , direct descendants of the Emperor Saga ....
- descended from Emperor SagaEmperor Sagawas the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Saga's reign spanned the years from 809 through 823.-Traditional narrative:...
. - Yagyū clanYagyu clanThe ' were a family of daimyō with lands just outside Nara, who became the heads of one of Japan's greatest schools of swordsmanship, Yagyū Shinkage-ryū...
(柳生氏) - descended from Sugawara clan; famous for their swordsmanship called Yagyū Shinkage-ryūYagyu Shinkage-ryuis one of the oldest Japanese schools of swordsmanship . Its primary founder was Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, who called the school Shinkage-ryū. In 1565, Nobutsuna bequeathed the school to his greatest student, Yagyū Munetoshi, who added his own name to the school. Today, the Yagyū Shinkage-ryū remains...
. - Yamana clanYamana clanThe ' was a Japanese samurai clan which was one of the most powerful of the Muromachi period ; at its peak, members of the family held the position of Constable over eleven provinces. Originally from Kōzuke province, and later centered in Inaba province, the clan claimed descendance from the Seiwa...
(山名氏) - cadet branch of Nitta clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Yamanouchi clanYamauchi familyIn Japanese history, the Yamauchi or Yamanouchi family were a family of rulers over what was then the Tosa Province which spanned the southern half of Shikoku island....
(山内氏) - also known as Yamanouchi Sudō clan , descended from Fujiwara Hokke.- Yamanouchi clan of Bingo (備後山内氏) - head family.
- Yamanouchi clan of Ōshū (奥州山内氏) - cadet branch.
- Yamanouchi clan of Tosa (土佐山内氏) - cadet branch; famous for Yamauchi KazutoyoYamauchi Kazutoyo' also spelled Yamanouchi , was born the son of Yamanouchi Moritoyo in Owari Province at the end of the Sengoku period of Japan. Kazutoyo held the title of Tosa no kami....
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- Yanagizawa clan - cadet branch of Takeda clan who descended from Seiwa GenjiSeiwa GenjiThe ' were the most successful and powerful of the many branch families of the Japanese Minamoto clan. Many of the most famous Minamoto warriors, including Minamoto Yoshiie, also known as "Hachimantaro", or God of War, and Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, were descended...
. - Yūki clan (結城氏) - descended from Fujiwara Hokke.
- Yūki clan of Shimousa (下総結城氏) - head family.
- Yūki clan of Shirakawa (白河結城氏) - cadet branch.
Other clans and families
- Eiso Dynasty (英祖王統) - first dynasty of Okinawa.
- Haniji Dynasty (怕尼芝王統) - kings of HokuzanHokuzanHokuzan was one of three kingdoms which controlled Okinawa in the 14th century. Okinawa, previously controlled by a number of local chieftains or lords, loosely bound by a paramount chieftain or king of the entire island, split into these three more solidly defined kingdoms within a few years...
. - Minshi Kameya family (明氏亀谷家) - descended from Shō Tokuō, 7th king of Ryukyu KingdomRyukyu KingdomThe Ryūkyū Kingdom was an independent kingdom which ruled most of the Ryukyu Islands from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Kings of Ryūkyū unified Okinawa Island and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan...
. - Ōzato Dynasty (大里王統) - kings of NanzanNanzanNanzan , sometimes called Sannan , was one of three kingdoms which controlled Okinawa in the 14th century. Okinawa, previously controlled by a number of local chieftains or lords, loosely bound by a paramount chieftain or king of the entire island, split into these three more solidly defined...
. - Satto Dynasty (察度王統) - kings of ChūzanChuzanChūzan was one of three kingdoms which controlled Okinawa in the 14th century. Okinawa, previously controlled by a number of local chieftains or lords, loosely bound by a paramount chieftain or king of the entire island, split into these three more solidly defined kingdoms within a few years after...
. - 1st Shō Dynasty (第一尚氏) - kings of Ryukyu KingdomRyukyu KingdomThe Ryūkyū Kingdom was an independent kingdom which ruled most of the Ryukyu Islands from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Kings of Ryūkyū unified Okinawa Island and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan...
. - 2nd Shō Dynasty (第二尚氏) - kings of Ryukyu KingdomRyukyu KingdomThe Ryūkyū Kingdom was an independent kingdom which ruled most of the Ryukyu Islands from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Kings of Ryūkyū unified Okinawa Island and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan...
. - Shunten Dynasty (舜天王統) - legendary dynasty.
Sacerdotal clans:
- Abe clan.
- Kamo clanKamo clanThe are a Japanese sacerdotal kin group which traces its roots from a Yayoi period shrine in the vicinity of northeastern Kyoto. The clan rose to prominence during the Asuka and Heian periods when the Kamo are identified with the 7th-century founding of the Kamo Shrine.-Kamo Shrine:The Kamo...
. - Nakatomi clanNakatomi clanThe Nakatomi clan was an influential clan in Classical Japan. Along with the Inbe clan, the Nakatomi were one of two priestly clans which oversaw certain important national rites, and one of many to claim descent from divine clan ancestors "only a degree less sublime than the imperial ancestors"...
. - Urabe clan.