Japan: General Tawara Hidesato kneeling at the court of Emperor Suzaku (r. 930-946). Tsukioka Yoshitoshi...

Fujiwara no Hidesato was a "kuge" (court bureaucrat) of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Oshu branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yuki, Oyama, and Shimokobe families. Hidesato served under Emperor Suzaku, and fought alongside Taira no Sadamori in 940 in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado. His prayer for victory before this battle is commemorated in the Kachiya Festival. Hidesato was then appointed Chinjufu-shogun (Defender of the North) and Governor of Shimotsuke Province. Emperor Suzaku (Suzaku-tenno, July 24, 922 - October 7, 952) was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946. Before his ascension of the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Hiroakira-shinno. He was also known as Yutaakira-shinno. Hiroakira-shinno was the 11th son of Emperor Daigo and Empress Consort Onshi, a daughter of the regent and Great Minister of the Council of State, Fujiwara no Mototsune. Daigo had two Empresses or consorts and one Imperial daughter.