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The First Samurai to Rule Japan — Taira no Kiyomori, Itsukushima, and the China Trade

Taira no Kiyomori was the first samurai to become Chancellor of the Realm. He developed Kobe harbor, drove the lucrative trade with Song China, and rebuilt Itsukushima Shrine in splendor. He ended the age of nobles and opened the age of warriors.

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Taira no Kiyomori became the first samurai Chancellor of the Realm in 1167, made his grandson emperor, and reached unmatched power. He developed Kobe harbor and drove trade with Song China, importing the copper coins that spread Japan’s money economy. He rebuilt Itsukushima Shrine in splendor as the Taira guardian deity. He died of a mysterious fever in 1181, and the Taira fell four years later.

Portrait of Taira no Kiyomori — the first samurai to become Chancellor, who built Taira glory through China trade and Itsukushima Shrine

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima — the World Heritage shrine Kiyomori rebuilt as the Taira guardian deity, its vermilion halls floating on the sea

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The great torii of Itsukushima — the iconic scene linked to Kiyomori, changing with the tides, where the Heike Sutras were dedicated

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Key Figures

Taira no Kiyomori