Stories of the Japanese 00417 [Late Heian Period] The 78th Emperor Nijo

After the Hogen Rebellion ended, the person who wielded power as the supreme authority from then on was Shinzei. Immediately after the rebellion, on October 20, 1156 (the first year of Hogen), Shinzei established the 'Record Office' and began the reorganization of manors (shoen).
The reorganization of manors was a policy to strip away excessively recognized vested interests and rebuild the nation's finances, something many administrators had failed at in the past. Emperor Gosanjo had finally succeeded in this by issuing the 'Enkyu Manor Reorganization Decree,' but since the number of manors with recognized privileges had increased again afterward, the need for reorganization had arisen once more.
Now, alongside Shinzei, there was another person who suddenly rose to prominence and received repeated promotions during this era. His name was Fujiwara no Nobuyori (1113–1160). He is the central figure who would go on to cause the 'Heiji Rebellion' three years after the Hogen Rebellion.
In 1158 (the third year of Hogen), Emperor Goshirakawa favored Nobuyori greatly. According to the 'Heiji Monogatari' (Tale of Heiji), which depicts the Heiji Rebellion, Nobuyori was a 'very fat man,' meaning he was extremely obese. Furthermore, he was described as 'neither literary nor martial. He had no talent or skills, and merely boasted of the Emperor's favor.' In other words, despite having no ability or skills, he continued to be promoted simply because he was liked by the Emperor. One theory even suggests that he was a 'male lover of Emperor Goshirakawa.'
Incidentally, in the Taiga drama 'Taira no Kiyomori,' this Fujiwara no Nobuyori was played by Muga Tsukaji of the comedy duo Drunk Dragon. Tsukaji is top-notch at playing creepy characters, and it was truly a perfect role for him.
Shinzei was highly talented and proactive in solving social issues, such as by focusing on the reorganization of manors. It is understandable that such a person would be appointed and rise in rank, but Nobuyori was an incompetent man who was elevated by the Emperor nonetheless.
Nobuyori used the Emperor's authority as a shield and became extremely arrogant.
During the Kamo Festival, Nobuyori tried to pass in front of the viewing stand of the Fujiwara clan head, Tadamichi, without getting out of his carriage. This was a breach of etiquette. Tadamichi's servants were enraged and began to destroy Nobuyori's carriage.
When Nobuyori complained about this incident to Emperor Goshirakawa, Tadamichi was actually placed under house arrest. One must say that the Emperor's favoritism toward Nobuyori was far too blatant.
At that time, the Emperor's abdication was being discussed. After all, Emperor Goshirakawa's accession was originally intended to be a stopgap until his son, Imperial Prince Morihito, could ascend the throne. Imperial Prince Morihito was now 15 years old, an appropriate age for accession. Due to the demands of the Prince's foster mother, Bifukumon-in Tokushi, Goshirakawa abdicated on August 11, and Imperial Prince Morihito ascended the throne. This was Emperor Nijo.
On the same day, there were appointments for the position of Chief Advisor to the Emperor (Kanpaku). Tadamichi, who was under house arrest, resigned as Kanpaku, and his fourth son, Motozane (1143–1166), was appointed to the position at the age of 16.
The Cloistered Rule of the Retired Emperor Goshirakawa began, and his two close aides, Shinzei and Fujiwara no Nobuyori, were favored even more.