Fujiwara no Umakai

was a Japanese statesman, courtier, general and politician during the Nara period. The third son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, he founded the Shikike ("Ceremonials") branch of the Fujiwara clan. Career He was a diplomat during the reign of Empress Genshō; and he was minister during the reign of Emperor Shōmu. In the Imperial court, Umakai was the chief of protocol (Shikibu-kyō). 716 (Reiki 2): Along with , and , Umakai was named to be part of a Japanese diplomatic mission to Tang China in 717-718. Kibi no Makibi and the Buddhist monk Genbō were also part of the entourage. 724 (Jinki 1, 1st month): Umakai led an army against the emishi; but this military campaign was later judged to have been unsuccessful. 729 (Tenpyō 1): The emperor invested Umakai with the power to raise an army to quash a revolt, but the cause for alarm was dissipated without the need for military action. 737 (Tenpyō 9): Umakai died at age 44. A major smallpox epidemic caused the deaths of Umakai and his three brothers. Genealogy This member of the Fujiwara clan was son of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Umakai had three brothers: Muchimaro, Fusasaki, and Maro. These four brothers are known for having established the "four houses" of the Fujiwara.