Taishokkan: The Pinnacle of Ancient Japanese Court Rank

Abuyama Kofun Tumulus

(Takatsuki City, Osaka)

【Taishokkan（大織冠）】 was the highest court rank under the the ancient legal system in Japan. Remarkably, this title was granted to only one person in Japanese history: Fujiwara no Kamatari. He was bestowed the title by Emperor Tenji (then known as Prince Naka no Ōe) in the year 669. Because of this, “Taishokkan” is often used as another name for Fujiwara no Kamatari himself. 

Fujiwara no Kamatari was the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan, one of the most influential families in Japanese history. He allied with Prince Naka no Ōe to overthrow a dominant aristocratic family that held immense power at the imperial court. This marked a major turning point in Japanese history ― a shift toward a centralized government led by the emperor.

Following this pivotal moment, the Fujiwara clan played a central role in shaping the ancient legal system and building the foundation of Japan as a law-governed state. The clan continued to serve the imperial family for generations, holding key positions in the aristocracy. In the 10th century, the Fujiwara clan exercised regency politics and took control of the government. Although the Fujiwara clan no longer appears on the modern political stage, their lineage can still be found in traditional roles such as chief priests of prestigious shrines.

 One site believed to be the tomb of Fujiwara no Kamatari is located in Takatsuki City, Osaka. In 1934, a burial mound was accidentally discovered during construction work. Inside, archaeologists found a lacquered coffin ― a type reserved for nobility ― containing human remains clad in brocade, a pillow woven with glass beads, and golden threads thought to have adorned a ceremonial crown “Taishokkan”. The skeleton showed signs of a fractured hip, which matches historical accounts that Kamatari died from a fall off a horse, lending credibility to the theory that this is indeed his final resting place.

However, the site was reburied after only X-ray images of the remains had been taken, and no further excavations have taken place ever since. Today, the tomb appears as a quiet, tree-covered mound. As you walk up an unpaved path, the secluded mound emerges ― a peaceful and contemplative space that just might be the resting place of Fujiwara no Kamatari. It’s rarely crowded with tourists, making it an ideal place to engage deeply with history in a serene atmosphere.

Replicas of the “Taishokkan” crown and pillow believed to have been excavated from the tomb are on display at the Imashirozuka Ancient History Museum. Moreover, recent studies using digital technology to reanalyze the original X-ray images have revealed that these artifacts closely match what is known about the regalia of “Taishokkan.”

The site is just a small patch covered with trees, and there isn’t much to see. It is literally an off-the-beaten-path site for enthusiasts of Japanese history.

Please visit the official website Abuyama Kofun.