| Premodern Japan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Daijō-daijin | |
| Minister of the Left | Sadaijin |
| Minister of the Right | Udaijin |
| Minister of the Center | Naidaijin |
| Major Counselor | Dainagon |
| Middle Counselor | Chūnagon |
| Minor Counselor | Shōnagon |
| Eight Ministries | |
| Center | Nakatsukasa-shō |
| Ceremonial | Shikibu-shō |
| Civil Administration | Jibu-shō |
| Popular Affairs | Minbu-shō |
| War | Hyōbu-shō |
| Justice | Gyōbu-shō |
| Treasury | Ōkura-shō |
| Imperial Household | Kunai-shō |
TheNaidaijin (内大臣,Naidaijin, also pronounceduchi no otodo), literally meaning "Inner Minister", was an ancient office in theJapanese Imperial Court. Its role, rank and authority varied throughout the pre-Meiji period of Japanese history, but in general remained as a significant post under theTaihō Code.[1]
The office ofNaidaijin predated theTaihō Code of 701.Fujiwara no Kamatari was the first person appointed to the post in 669. After the appointment ofFujiwara no Michitaka in 989, the office became permanently established, ranking just below that ofUdaijin ("Right Minister") andSadaijin ("Left Minister").
The office developed a different character in theMeiji period. In 1885, the title was reconfigured to mean theLord Keeper of the Privy Seal of Japan in theImperial Court.[2] In that year, the office of prime minister or chief minister of the initial restoration government was theDaijō-daijin,Sanjō Sanetomi. In December, Sanjō petitioned the emperor to be relieved of his office; and he was then immediately appointedNaidaijin, or Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.[3]
The office of the Privy Seal was identical with the oldNaidaijin only in the sense of the Japanese title—not in terms of function or powers.[4]
The nature of the office further evolved in theTaishō andShōwa periods. The title was abolished on November 24, 1945.[5]