Career
Michinaga exerted de facto reign over Japan in the early 11th century. This can be seen from the fact that he was father to four (non-reigning) empresses, uncle to two emperors and grandfather to another three.
- 995 (Chōtoku 1, 19th day of the 6th month): Udaijin (右大臣)
- 996 (Chōtoku 2, 20th day of the 7th month): Sadaijin (左大臣)
Though Ichijō already had an empress, a daughter of Michitaka, he claimed there were two types of empresshood and therefore it was legal for an emperor to have two empresses at the same time. Michinaga's ambitions led him to make his own daughter, Shōshi, a second empress of Ichijō. In 1000 Shōshi was announced as a Chūgū empress and the existing empress Teishi was given the title of Kōgō empress. It was the first time an emperor had two empresses. A power struggle between Korechika and Michinaga continued until Teishi's unexpected death in 1001, which sealed Michinaga's power since Shōshi became the only empress after Teishi's death.
In 1006, Michinaga invited Murasaki Shikibu to become Empress Shōshi’s companion and tutor.)
Shōshi was the mother of two princes who became emperors: Emperor Go-Ichijō and Emperor Go-Suzaku. Michinaga's other daughters, Kenshi and Ishi, followed similar fates to Shōshi and further ensured Michinaga's power over the court.
- 1011 (Kankō 8, 13th day of the 6th month): In the 25th year of Emperor Ichijō's reign (一条天皇25年), the emperor abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Sanjō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’).
After Ichijō retired because of illness, Emperor Sanjō ascended the throne. Though Sanjō was a nephew of Michinaga (the mother of Sanjō was another sister of Michinaga; she had died already in Sanjō's childhood and he was relatively less influenced by his maternal line).
- 1011 (Kankō 8): Michinaga is Sesshō
- 1011 (Kankō 8, 23rd day of the 8th month): Fujiwara Michinaga is granted the extraordinary privilege of travelling to and from the court by ox-drawn cart.
Michinaga and Sanjō's opinions often varied. Michinaga pressured Sanjō to retire and finally Sanjō did so in 1016 under a condition made upon Sanjō's succession. Sanjō's elder son was appointed as Go-Ichijō's successor.
- 1011 (Kankō 8): Prince Atsunari, the second son of former-Emperor Ichijo, is proclaimed Crown Prince. Sanjō's eldest son, Prince Atsuakira, had been the officially designated heir, but pressure from Michinaga forced the young prince to abandon his position.
Michinaga's political power and influence led to the crown prince's resignation by his will. Michinaga was pleased by this decision and gave his daughter (either Kenshi or Ishi) to this prince as a wife, ensuring that the prince would not be an obstacle in the future.
- 1012 (Chōwa 1, 8th month): Emperor Sanjō marries a daughter of Sesshō and later Kampaku Fujiwara no Michinaga.
During the initial years of Go-Ichijō's reign, Fujiwara no Michinaga actually ruled from his position as sesshō (regent). Although Michinaga never formally took on the title of kampaku regent, he exercised great power and influence.
- 1013 (Chōwa 2, 9th month): Sanjō visits the home of Michinaga.
- 1013 (Chōwa 3, 5th month): Sanjō visited the home of Michinaga where he enjoyed himself with horse riding and archery.
- 1015 (Chōwa 4, 10th month): Michinaga's 50th birthday is celebrated.
- 1016 (Chōwa 5, 29th day of the 1st month): Michinaga is Sesshō for Emperor Go-Ichijō
- 1017 (Chōwa 6, 16th day of the 3rd month): retired from Sesshō
- 1017 (Kannin 1, 8th month): Prince Atsuakira, the eldest son of Emperor Sanjo, had been named Crown Prince, but after he is struck by a skin disease and under intense pressure from Michinaga; he withdraws from this role and his younger brother, Prince Atsunaga, is named Crown Prince in his place.
- 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th month): Michinaga made a pilgrimage to the Iwashimizu Shrine accompanied by many courtiers. The travelers divided themselves amongst 15 boats for a floating trip down the Yotogawa River. One of the vessels overturned, and more than 30 people lost their lives.
- 1017 (Kannin 1, 4th day of the 12th month): Michinaga was elevated to the office of Daijō Daijin.
- 1018 (Kannin 2, 9th day of the 2nd month): retires from Daijō Daijin
- 1019 (Kannin 3, 21st day of the 3rd month): Becomes a priest.
Read more about this topic: Fujiwara No Michinaga
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