The Powerful Kugyo of Japan (ca. 702 – 1100 AD)
During the pre-Meiji era in ancient Japan, the term “Kugyo” was used to refer to a group of the most powerful men of influence in the court of the Emperor. The group typically contained only three or four men at one time, and each came from a background of extensive experience that had brought them to this ‘pinnacle’ of his entire life’s work. They were also hereditary courtiers, and each held one of four specific offices.
The Sadaijin was the “Minister of the Left”, and as the Senior Minister of the State, he oversaw all the branches of the state and had the Udaijin as deputy. Within the State Department – or, Daijo-kan – his position was second in power and influence to the Great Minister of the Realm. For centuries, the position was most commonly held by a member of the Fujiwara family, in order to justify the influence the family held in Japan.
The Udaijin was “Minister of the Right”, and he helped the Sadaijin to oversee all the branches of the Daijo-kan.
The Naidaijin was the “Inner Minister” or “Minister of the Center”, with the rank and role of this position varying over time. He was essentially responsible for internal affairs and making sure they were kept in order.
The Dainagon position was created in order to assist the Sadaijin and the Udaijin with their affairs, although by the 17th century, the position had been modified to give primary assistance to the Nadaiji. This was done in order to ensure that there was another person ready to replace the main court officials, should something happen to one of them.
Although the Kugyo had a large amount of power and responsibility during the early pre-Meiji eras, they gradually lost power as the Fujiwara family came to dominate Japanese politics in the 10th and 11th centuries. By the 12th century, the group was nearly powerless – and it certainly didn’t help that the warrior clan Minamoto seized control of the country through the aristocratic courts.
Regardless, the Kugyo continued to function as a figurehead group inside the palace walls for centuries to follow.
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