ABSTRACT
Japan's imperial court was, despite the emperor's supreme position, more inclusive than exclusive. Perhaps no period in Japanese history is more characterized by such factionalism than the Heian age, and its intensification in the late twelfth century came to have a profound effect on the ruling structures. Leading up to this competitive society were three major developments that began in preceding centuries: a modification of the Chinese political system, privatization of government, and the emergence of blocs of power known as kenmon. These changes were gradual, but from a political perspective, two transitions can be identified with some precision. The first occurred in the mid-ninth century when the Fujiwara became the dominating family at the imperial court, signaling the beginning of the privatization process. The second took place around the turn of the twelfth century as the imperial family made a dramatic comeback, beginning an age of shared rulership among elite blocs that also included the leading religious centers.
