For a full list of clans, see Japanese Clans.
The Abe Clan (安倍氏) is one of the various Clans of Japan. It had two separate families: one based in Uji in Yamato Province, said to descend from Emperor Kōgen, and one that rose to power in northern Honshū in the mid-Heian Period and fought the Earlier Nine Years’ War.
Table of Contents
Families
This particular clan finds itself in two different areas of Japan. This can make it difficult to tell which Abe family a person belonged to.
The first family were based in Uji in Yamato Province. These are stated in the Nihongi and Shinsen Shōjiroku to be descended from Emperor Kōgen.
The next family claimed descent from a man known as ‘Abi‘ who was the elder brother of the Chieftain Nagasunehiko. He was a man who resisted the conquest of Emperor Jimmu. This particular family rose to power in northern Honshū in the mid-Heian Period.1
Asuka Period
They are known to have taken charge of the Onmyōdō alongside the Kamo Clan after its creation by Emperor Kōtoku.2
Between 658 and 660 Abe no Hirafu was sent to subdue the Ezo People and later in 663 he was sent to aid the forces of Paekche (Korea). Unfortunately he was defeated in the Battle of Hakusuhinoe.1
Heian Period
The Earlier Nine Years’ War was begun by Abe no Yoritoki after he decided to invade neighbouring territories and stop paying taxes. He was eventually defeated in 1057, though his sons continued the fight.1
Yamato Members
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- Abe no Hirafu – fl. 7th century.
- Abe no Kurahashimaro –
- Abe no Manao –
- Abe no Nakamaro – 698–770 CE
- Abe no Seimei – 921–1005 CE
Mutsu Members
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- Abe no Munetō – fl. 11th century.
- Abe no Sadatō – 1019–1062
- Abe no Yoritoki – ?–1057
Footnotes
1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Martin, P. (1997) “The Chrysanthemum Throne” Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.
