Fujiwara no Umakai (藤原 宇合; 694 – September 7, 737) was a Japanese statesman, courtier, general and politician during the Nara period. The third son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, he founded the Shikike ("Ceremonials") branch of the Fujiwara clan.
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Career
He was a diplomat during the reign of Empress Genshō and a minister during the reign of Emperor Shōmu. In the Imperial court, Umakai was the chief of protocol (Shikibu-kyō).
716 (Reiki 2): Along with Tajihi no Agatamori (多治比縣守), Abe no Yasumaro (阿倍安麻呂) and Ōtomo no Yamamori (大伴山守), Umakai was named to be part of a Japanese diplomatic mission to Tang China in 717-718. Kibi no Makibi and the Buddhist monk Genbō were also part of the entourage.
724 (Jinki 1, 1st month): Umakai led an army against the emishi; but this military campaign was later judged to have been unsuccessful.
729 (Tenpyō 1): The emperor invested Umakai with the power to raise an army to quash a revolt, but the cause for alarm was dissipated without the need for military action.
737 (Tenpyō 9): Umakai died at age 44. The 735–737 Japanese smallpox epidemic caused the death of Umakai and his three brothers.
Genealogy
This member of the Fujiwara clan was son of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Umakai had three brothers: Muchimaro, Fusasaki, and Maro. These four brothers are known for having established the "four houses" of the Fujiwara.
Umakai's children included: Fujiwara no Hirotsugu and Fujiwara no Momokawa
Family
Father: Fujiwara no Fuhito
Mother: Soga no Shōshi (蘇我娼子, ?–?), daughter of Soga no Murajiko (蘇我連子).
Wife: Isonokami no Kunimina no Ōtoji (石上国盛), daughter of Isonokami no Maro (石上麻呂).
1st son: Fujiwara no Hirotsugu (藤原広嗣, ?–740)
2nd son: Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu (藤原良継, 716–777)
Wife: Takahashi no Aneko (高橋阿禰娘), daughter of Takahashi no Kasa no Ason (高橋笠朝臣).
3rd son: Fujiwara no Kiyonari (藤原清成, 716–777)
Wife: unclear name (小治田功麿男牛養女)
5th son: Fujiwara no Tamaro (藤原田麻呂, 722–783)
Wife: Kume no Wakame (久米若女), daughter of 久米奈保麻呂?
8th son: Fujiwara no Momokawa (藤原百川, 732–779)
Wife: named (佐伯家主娘), daughter of 佐伯徳麻呂.
9th son: Fujiwara no Kurajimaro (藤原蔵下麻呂, 734–775)
Children with unknown mother:
4th son: Fujiwara no Tsunate (藤原綱手, ?–740)
Daughter: name unknown, wife of Fujiwara no Uona.
Daughter: name unknown, wife of Fujiwara no Kosemaro (藤原巨勢麻呂).
Daughter: named (掃子), possibly mother of Fujiwara no Tsunatsugu (藤原綱継).