Fujiwara no Muchimaro

Who was Fujiwara no Muchimaro?

Fujiwara no Muchimaro was a Japanese courtier and politician of the early-Nara period.

The eldest son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, he founded the Nanke branch of the Fujiwara clan.

Muchimaro's mother was Soga no Shōshi, daughter of Soga no Murajiko. He married a granddaughter of Abe no Miushi, with whom he had two sons Fujiwara no Toyonari and Fujiwara no Nakamaro. Among his daughters was consort of Emperor Shōmu.

Muchimaro became the head of Ministry of Civil Services in 718. When Fuhito, Muchimaro's father, died in 720, Prince Nagaya was at the highest rank in the state government. Prince Nagaya was grandson of Emperor Temmu, but not a son of Fujiwara family, therefore was seen as a threat by Muchimaro and his three brothers. After successfully removing Prince Nagaya in 729, Muchimaro rose to Counselor.

In 734, he was promoted to Udaijin or "Minister of the Right". In 737, he was made Sadaijin or "Minister of the Left", but died of smallpox the following day.