History of Asia

Eight kabane system

The eight kabane system is the eight family names newly established in 684.

It is established for the purpose of ensuring the status of the imperial family and ranking the royal family.

As for the surname, please refer to the previous article on the surname system of the Kofun period.

  • Mahito:The highest surname, given to the close relatives of Emperor Keitai (reigned 507-531) and the descendants of the emperors and princes after that.
  • Ason / Asomi:The highest position other than the imperial family. The surname given to those who had the traditional "omi" surname who made achievements in the Jinshin War. It is said that many of them were separated from the imperial family in ancient times. As the times went down, I often gave gifts to those who made achievements, so I often see them compared to other surnames (I feel).
  • Sukune:A person who was given to a person who had a "ren" surname in the past. Again, as the times went down, it was sometimes given to those who made achievements. It was originally given to the Kamibetsu clan, which is said to be a descendant of "Tianjin God" and "Kunizu God" that appear in Japanese mythology.
  • Imiki:It was given to some national builder, mainly toraijin.

The following are surnames that were enacted but not actually given.

  • Michinoshi
  • Omi
  • Muraji
  • Inagi

Therefore, it is unclear what kind of family was trying to give the above four.

The above eight are newly established surnames, and the rank is "Masato > Asaomi > Kabane > Imiki > Michinoshi > Omi > Ren > Inaoki”.