Nov 05 (Linfamy) - Rising through the ranks of the Japanese imperial court was like a walk in the park—at night. It was a rigid system designed to keep the powerful in power, leaving little room for anyone outside the elite circle.
Many government roles were controlled by influential families, with positions passed down from father to son, ensuring a tight grip on authority.
However, there was one path to influence that is rarely mentioned today. This method not only played a part in the downfall of one of Japan's most powerful clans, but it also opened doors for women from weak, unremarkable families to reach the highest echelons of the court, even gaining proximity to the emperor himself.
The story unfolds during Japan's Heian Period (794–1185), an era when the Fujiwara clan reigned supreme over the court, maintaining a formidable hold on political power.
