Inbe clan

Japanese clan during the Yamato period

The Inbe clan (陰部氏 Inbe-shi) were a strong family in Japan a long time ago, during a time called the Kofun period (250-538 CE) and the Asuka period (538-710 CE). They came from an area called Kibi Province, which is now Okayama Prefecture. They were prominent in their links to religion.

They claimed descent from Futodama.[1][2]

History

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The clan started off as low class but gained power due to religious reasons.[3] During the reign of Emperor Kōtoku, the Inbe, along with the Nakatomi and Urabe families, were tasked with supervising the Department of Divinities.[3]

During the Asuka period, the Inbe clan became more prominent and was involved in the political and military affairs of the Yamato court. In 587 CE, the Inbe clan was part of the allied forces that fought against the powerful Soga clan in the Battle of Shigisan. The battle resulted in the defeat of the Soga clan and the Inbe clan's rise in power.

During the 7th century, the Inbe clan had important roles in the Yamato court, including the position of Ō-omi, responsible for managing the court's affairs. In 645 CE, the clan supported Prince Naka no Ōe, who later became Emperor Tenji, in a successful coup against his mother Empress Kōgyoku.

During the Nara period (710-794 CE), the Inbe clan's influence declined, and they were gradually overtaken by the Nakatomi clan and their descendant clan the Fujiwara clan. In 807 their leader wrote the Kogo Shūi [en] to complain to the Emperor over their exclusion.[4]

They migrated to the east soon after and built the Awa Shrine [en][5][6]

Legacy

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The Inbe clan was an influential group in Japan during the Kofun and Asuka periods. They were based in the Kibi Province, and were involved in politics and military affairs. Their legacy is still present in Japanese culture today, as they were responsible for building the Inbe Shrine, an important religious site. The Inbe clan's name can also be found in literary works such as the Man'yōshū. The Japanese government recognizes the Inbe clan as an important historical group, designating them as such in 1967.

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References

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  1. "Encyclopedia of Shinto 詳細". 國學院大學デジタルミュージアム (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-09-21.
  2. "Inbe Shintō". Encyclopedia of Shinto. Archived from the original on 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2023-09-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Imbe Clan • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". A History of Japan - 日本歴史. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
  4. Box, The Japan. "Nakatomi Clan". The Japan Box. Archived from the original on 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
  5. History of Chiba Prefecture: Ancient Times 2 2001, pp. 604–612.
  6. History of Chiba Prefecture: Yamakawa 2012, pp. 33–35.

Other websites

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