TheMiwa clan (大神氏,Miwa-uji) is a Japaneseshake andsamurai family who have served theMiwa Shrine for generations.[1][2] The ancestor of the Miwa family is said to beOkuninushi no Mikoto,[2] viaŌtataneko [ja].[3] The Omiwa clan, also known as theOgami clan, were a prominent family in ancient Japan known for their responsibility in performing state rituals for theYamato Court. The clan rose to prominence in the period between the latter half of the 5th century and the 6th century, before the establishment of capital cities such asHeijo-kyo andHeian-kyo. The clan's main center of influence was the area aroundMt. Miwa, which was considered a significant religious and political site. According to tradition, the ancestors of the Ogami clan were able to calm the first epidemic in Japan and this belief has been passed down through the generations to the present-dayŌmiwa Shrine. Recent research has shed light on the role and significance of the Ogami clan in ancient royal power and rituals.[4]
During an epidemic in JapanEmperor Sujin was given guidance in the form of a dream to seek out a man namedŌtataneko [ja] (太田田根子) and appoint him as head priest.[5] He eventually found him inIzumo Province.[6] When he was found and installed, the pestilence eventually subsided, allowing five cereal crops to ripen.[5] Out of an abundance of caution, the Emperor also appointed Ikagashikoo (伊香色雄) askami-no-mono-akatsu-hito (神班物者), or one who sorts the offerings to the gods.[7] To this day theMiwa sept of theKamo clan claim to be descents fromŌtataneko [ja], while Ikagashikoo was a claimed ancestor of the now extinctMononobe clan.[7]
In the 8th year of the reign ofEmperor Temmu, the Miwa clan was renamed Miwa-no-kun and given the surname Ogami-chosin.[clarification needed] The descendants of Koichi Maro's son Shinobito[clarification needed] served as the Ogami High Priestess. According to notes in the genealogy, the Daiminushi family[clarification needed] served theSouthern Court during the period of theNanboku-cho period. Many members of the family died in the civil wars between the Northern and Southern dynasties.[2]
After theMuromachi period, the legitimate lineage served as high priests, but some of the family members became warriors and served the Miyoshi andKitabatake clans. After the Hobo break,[clarification needed] the Daikami family took the name Takamiya and served the Ogami Shrine, and their descendants continued to serve the shrine until theMeiji Restoration.[2]
One branch of the Miwa family, known as the Hiyoshi, served theUsa Jingū in ancient times. Their descendants served as the chief priest of the Usa Jingu for a long time until they were replaced by the Usa clan. From their descendants, medieval warriors such as Ogata, Ono, and Anan were born,[clarification needed] and during theSengoku period, they played a part in the military power of theOtomo clan, the feudal lords inKyushu.[2]
^Frédéric, L.; Louis-Frédéric; Roth, K. (2005).Japan Encyclopedia. Harvard University Press reference library. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.ISBN978-0-674-01753-5. Retrieved2020-11-21.
