- Fujiwara no Nobuyori
nihongo|Fujiwara no Nobuyori|藤原信頼|(d. 1160) was one of the chief allies of
Minamoto no Yoshitomo in theHeiji Rebellion of 1159. As a member of theFujiwara clan , Nobuyori might have been in line to become regent, and he desired power, which he obtained for a short while following the Rebellion.In the late 1150s, a dispute arose between the followers of the reigning Emperor Nijō and those who favored the retired (cloistered)
Emperor Go-Shirakawa . ThoughFujiwara no Michinori and theTaira clan supported Nijō, Nobuyori and hisMinamoto allies supported Go-Shirakawa's bid to retain some influence and power.When
Taira no Kiyomori , head of his clan, leftKyoto for a time in 1159, it seemed the perfect opportunity for Nobuyori and the Minamoto to make a move; though some say Kiyomori left the city intentionally, luring his enemies into a trap. Nobuyori and the Minamoto attacked the Sanjō Palace, abducting the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa, killing much of his staff, and setting the building aflame. They brought him to the Great Palace, where Emperor Nijō was being held hostage as well. They then moved on to the home of chief-councillor Fujiwara no Michinori, killing everyone there; Michinori escaped, only to be captured and decapitated soon afterwards. Nobuyori then had Nijō appoint him Chancellor, under duress. Though he still had enemies at Court who encouraged the emperor to resist and to escape, overall Nobuyori's plan had succeeded.This did not last for long, however, since Taira no Kiyomori returned, and the Minamoto were not sufficiently prepared to defend the city against him. The emperor and ex-emperor both were freed, the Minamoto defeated, and Nobuyori killed.
References
*Sansom, George (1958). 'A History of Japan to 1334'. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
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