Kujo family

The Kujo family (九条家 Kujō-ke) was a Japanese noble family and a branch of the Fujiwara clan derived from Fujiwara no Tadamichi. They were counted as one of the Sekke, the five regent houses and therefore one of the most politically powerful families among the kuge (court officials).

As one of the Sekke, the five regent houses, the Kujo clan monopolized the offices of Sessho and Kampaku along with the Konoe, Takatsukasa, Nijo and Ichijo clans from the 12th century until 1867. With the exception of Tokugawa Kazuko, wife of the Emperor Mizunoo, all Empresses were of the clans that formed the Sekke.

In addition, the Nijo and Ichijo families derived from the Kujo family.

The clan was founded by Fujiwara no Kanezane, at the recommendation of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The fourth and fifth Shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Kujo Yoritsune and Kujo Yoritsugu, came from this clan.

After the Meiji Restoration, members of the Kujo clan were given the title Duke.