Fujiwara no Hirotsugu

Fujiwara no Hirotsugu was a nobleman of Japan's Nara period, born in 714 as the eldest son of Fujiwara no Umakai, who founded the Shikike branch of the powerful Fujiwara clan. He held the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, and served as Vice Governor of Dazaifu in northern Kyushu.

During his tenure at Dazaifu, Hirotsugu petitioned the court for the dismissal of the influential monk Genbō and the scholar Kibi no Makibi, both of whom had gained rapid prominence following their return from Tang China. When his petition was ignored, he launched an armed uprising known as the Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Rebellion, which ended in his defeat and execution in 740.

Although he died in rebellion, Hirotsugu was later enshrined as a kami, a practice reflecting the Japanese tradition of venerating the spirits of those who died in tragic or powerful circumstances. His enshrined spirit is honored under the name Fujiwara no Hirotsugu no Mikoto.