Fujiwara Yorimichi

(992-1074). Political leader. Ruled Japan for half a century, holding the post of regent for successive emperors Go-ichijō (r. 1016-1036), Go-suzaku (r. 1036-45), and Go-reizei (r. 1045-68), each of whom was either his nephew or son-in-law, or both. Yorimichi lost control of the imperial succession when none of his daughters produced an imperial heir. He retired to his villa at Uji, which he had converted into the famous Byōdoin temple in 1052, and became a monk. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)