Kibi clan

This clan was the ruling clan of the ancient Kibi region (Okayama Prefecture and eastern Hiroshima Prefecture), and is thought to have been the main force in constructing the huge ancient tombs in the 5th century, with influence on a par with that of the Yamato kings. There are three legends of rebellion in the "Nihon Shoki," all of which are characterized by an inclination to usurp royal authority. From the 6th century onwards, they were incorporated under Yamato rule, and their offshoots, Kamitsumichi no Omi, Mino no Omi, Kaya no Omi, Shimotsumichi no Omi, and Kasa no Omi, were appointed kuni no Miyatsuko, and some even played active roles as aristocrats in the central government. Kibi no Makibi is particularly famous. There are three types of clan genealogy: the 2nd year entry of Emperor Korei in the "Nihon Shoki," the 22nd year entry of Emperor Ojin, and the Emperor Korei section in the "Kojiki." Each has its own characteristics, but some consider Kibitsuhiko to be the founder due to the connection with the tradition of the Four Generals, and others describe the relationships between the various powerful clans as brothers.

[Akira Yoshida]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

古代吉備地域（岡山県と広島県東部）の支配氏族で、5世紀代に巨大古墳を造営した主体と考えられ、ヤマトの大王(だいおう)家と並ぶほどの勢力をもった。『日本書紀』に3種の反乱伝承があり、いずれも王権簒奪(さんだつ)の志向性をもつ特徴がある。6世紀以降はヤマトの支配下に組み込まれ、分氏した上道臣(かみつみちのおみ)、三野臣(みののおみ)、賀夜臣(かやのおみ)、下道臣(しもつみちのおみ)、笠臣(かさのおみ)らは国造(くにのみやつこ)に任じられ、また中央にあって貴族として活躍するものもいた。吉備真備(きびのまきび)はとくに有名。氏族系譜としては『日本書紀』孝霊天皇(こうれいてんのう)2年条、同応神天皇(おうじんてんのう)22年条、『古事記』孝霊天皇段と3種のものがあり、それぞれに特色があるが、四道将軍(しどうしょうぐん)伝承との関係から吉備津彦(きびつひこ)を始祖とするものや、各有力氏の関係を兄弟関係で語るものなどがある。

［吉田　晶］

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