In recent years, we have seen cases where some people, including public figures, have claimed to be "descendants of the Fujiwara clan" without providing clear historical evidence. As the Hashimoto family, which is connected to the historical lineage of the Fujiwara clan, we would like to express our views on this situation and share our basic thinking on discussing genealogy.
How would you feel if a complete stranger, knowing nothing about your grandfather or great‑grandfather,
added their names to their own family tree and publicly declared, “They are my ancestors”?
This is the reality the Hashimoto family is facing.
We, the descendants of the Hashimoto family, suffer deep psychological distress when our ancestors’ names
are used by others without documentary evidence. This is not only a matter of historical accuracy but an
ethical issue concerning human dignity. We ask public officials and influential organizations to consider
this matter with particular seriousness.
Ethical Issues of Claiming Another Family’s Ancestors
This is not merely an academic discussion
An ancestor’s name is part of a descendant’s identity
Appeal from the affected family
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Also, for public figures, this constitutes illegal conduct that violates Article 235 of the Public Offices Election Act.
Example (Claude’s answer)
I would assess the credibility of the claim that Toshimichi Ōkubo was a descendant of the Fujiwara clan at roughly 10–20%.
Reasoning:
Points that cast doubt:
- The Ōkubo family belonged to the lower-ranking samurai of Satsuma (servants such as okoshō yō), and there are few reliable sources tracing their genealogy all the way back to the Fujiwara.
- In the medieval and early modern periods, it was common for samurai families to claim descent from prominent aristocratic houses (such as the Fujiwara) in order to raise their social standing.
- For lower-ranking samurai families in Satsuma, there are almost no contemporary sources that can demonstrate a blood relationship with the Fujiwara.
Points that make it possible:
- There are records showing that members of the Ōkubo family used the Fujiwara surname.
- It is not theoretically impossible that a branch of the Fujiwara who moved to Kyushu in the medieval period became local warriors over time and that their descendants eventually settled in Satsuma.
- However, proving a bloodline that stretches back several centuries is extremely difficult.
Conclusion:
Even if the family tradition asserts descent from the Fujiwara, it is very hard to demonstrate an actual genealogical connection from a historical scholarship perspective. Given that many samurai families claimed descent from prestigious houses to signal status, this claim is more likely to be a status-enhancing family tradition than a reliably provable blood relationship.
The Hashimoto family is a lineage connected with the Ichijō-in monzeki and was based at Hasshiin-shō (also called Hashiin-shō), an estate of the Ichijō-in domain. Since Jikken, who came from the Takatsukasa family (see sources below), used the name “Hashimoto,” and Ryōshin (see sources below) used the title “Gohasshin-in,” it is believed that around the time Hashimoto Yaro appeared an illegitimate son or close relative of the monzeki settled in the Hasshiin area and adopted the name Hashimoto. At the end of the Tokugawa period, Hashimoto Tōichi (a relative), who became a pro‑imperial activist and was imprisoned, was pardoned through the intervention of the Asukai family, a branch of the same Fujiwara clan.
These historical details can be confirmed through historical documents held at the National Diet Library and Nara Prefectural Library.
When discussing family history, objective historical sources are required, such as:
Summary: Academically, additional considerations include the authenticity of historical documents, the time of their creation, contemporaneity, independence, literary verification, physical evidence outside the genealogy, and comparative and quantitative methods. The standard approach is to combine these and evaluate their reliability comprehensively. Genealogy cannot be proven historically based on mere family tradition or oral tradition alone.
It is often difficult to prove that modern and later families are directly connected to prestigious clans from the Middle Ages or ancient times. This is made difficult by factors such as the scattering of records due to war, the revival and adoption of family lines after they had died out, and the embellishment of family trees in later generations.
In the genealogy from medieval samurai to wealthy farmers in the early modern period, there are many cases where the connection from the late Sengoku period to the early Edo period is the biggest black box.
During the Edo period, it was extremely common for local influential people (village headmen and wealthy farmers) to inherit the surnames of former local samurai families, thus continuing their family trees.
In many cases, the basis for the claims is based on traditions passed down in the family or on family trees created by the family.
When examining genealogies from the Edo period, there is an important point that is often overlooked: whether the family had the economic foundation to maintain their samurai status.
During the Edo period, the annual living expenses for an adult was estimated to be around 1 to 1.5 koku. Therefore:
Take the example of a local samurai family. This family claims the following history:
Official lineage:
Sengoku period: As a powerful local lord, he held a reasonable amount of rice yield.
Early Edo period: Treated as a guest of a feudal lord and treated as a mid-ranking samurai
After that: From samurai to merchant and businessman
Analysis of contradictions:
If he was treated as a mid-ranking samurai, then:
So why did this family stop being samurai?
The typical ways in which a samurai lost his status were as follows:
In either case, there will always be traces left in the domain's official records (rank registers, history books, etc.).
But in this house:
There is generally no rational reason for someone to give up a stable position as a mid-ranking samurai.
In light of the "hypothetical" patterns that the Hashimotos have pointed out, I have to say that the following scenario is statistically more likely:
This was a phenomenon that was extremely common among wealthy merchants and farmers during the Edo period.
To resolve this contradiction, the following historical documents are essential:
The assertion that "he was treated as a mid-ranking samurai but for some reason became a merchant" contains a serious contradiction and requires special explanation and historical evidence.
In the case of the Hashimoto family:
In this way, the reasons and circumstances of the changes in status are clearly explained by contemporary primary sources.
When examining genealogy, it is important to consider whether the family had the economic foundation to maintain the status they claim.
The claim that he had an economic base equal to or greater than that of a mid-ranking samurai class yet left his samurai status for unknown reasons is itself contradictory and requires careful criticism of the historical sources.
Unless this contradiction can be rationally explained, the possibility that it is a cultural phenomenon known as "surname borrowing and genealogical connections" should be given priority from a historical perspective.
Furthermore, the samurai class in the Edo period was:
There is usually no economic rationale for abandoning these and turning to high-risk business.
If they were truly descendants of a Sengoku samurai family, they would have continued as warriors during the Edo period, become samurai during the Meiji Restoration, and official documents such as the "Request for Return of Family Stipends" would have survived.
There are no records of this, so the explanation that he "suddenly appeared as a merchant" needs to be supported by conclusive historical documents.
The Fujiwara clan has produced numerous branch families since the Heian period. It is estimated that there are tens of thousands of people of Fujiwara descent in modern times (taking into account bias and the closed nature of aristocratic society).
Claiming ties to a prominent clan without clear historical evidence is disrespectful to history, disrespectful to other clans, and causes social unrest. Those in public positions, in particular, should exercise caution due to the extent of their influence.
Publicly stating genealogical relationships that are historically extremely unlikely (less than 10% confidence level) as fact is a disgrace to the efforts of our ancestors, a distortion of historical truth, and the dissemination of falsehoods in public. We demand that those involved immediately retract their statements and make a public apology.
A public apology is appropriate if one publicly claims to be a "descendant of the Fujiwara clan" without objective historical evidence, if one mentions it in the media, books, lectures, election bulletins, etc., or if one continues to make such claims despite the advice of experts. The apology should include an acknowledgement of the facts, an apology for disrespect, a clear statement of retraction, and a promise to prevent recurrence.
We do not intend to monopolize the right to claim the Fujiwara clan, nor do we reject all well-intentioned family traditions. However, we believe that speaking of unfounded genealogies as fact from a position of influence in the public sphere is a desecration of history and disrespectful to our ancestors. When claiming a connection to the Fujiwara clan, we demand that objective historical documents be presented, that expert verification be undertaken, that any uncertainties be honestly acknowledged, and that a prompt retraction and apology be made if there is no basis for the allegations.
Historical documents relating to the history of the Hashimoto family are found in the following locations:
We welcome researchers and those with an interest to check these historical documents.
Hashimoto family Hashimoto
From the standpoint of protecting the dignity of individuals, their right to pursue happiness, and their right to self-determination as stipulated in Article 13 of the Constitution of Japan, I publicly declare the following policy regarding the handling of my family's historical lineage, family name, and spiritual solidarity. This statement is intended to be published online and widely disseminated. The attached family tree (the fujiwara kakeizu, Hashimoto family genealogy) serves as a basis for clarifying the independence of my family.
Wazou Hashimoto of the Hashimoto family, grandson of Heisaku Hashimoto, advised Emperor Shōwa to refrain from continuing the war. His position was known within the newspaper industry—he had been editor‑in‑chief at Mainichi Shimbun. This serves as evidence that anti‑war voices existed close to the Emperor; my grandfather had spoken to me about this for many years.
Article 1 (Basis and scope of the right to self-determination)
The right to self-determination is the right of individuals to autonomously decide their own way of life, their values, and important choices in life without undue interference from others. We believe that this right also extends to family history, the inheritance of family names, and spiritual solidarity.
The Hashimoto family and I reserve the right to decide, based on our right of self-determination, the use and inheritance of our family genealogy, family history, family name, and the symbolic and spiritual values attached thereto. The history of our direct ancestors as shown in our family tree is our family's exclusive property, and we assert the right to restrict its use by others.
Article 2 (Respect for the right of self-determination of others and the principle of independence)
I acknowledge that every individual and family has the right to assert and express their own historical perspective, legitimacy, and identity at their own discretion and responsibility.
We believe that any individual, family, organization, or company, including members of the Imperial Family, should have the freedom to express their own position based on their right to self-determination. At the same time, we believe that all family lines have the responsibility to prove their legitimacy based on their own family history and achievements. Each family line has its own independent dignity and should stand on its own history and achievements, without interdependence. The lineage of the Hashimoto family's direct ancestors, as recorded in the family tree, demonstrates the independence of our family and does not permit borrowing by others.
Article 3 (Restrictions on the use of the genealogy of the direct ancestors of the Hashimoto family)
In exercising my right to self-determination, I will not allow any individual, group, organization, or company, including members of the Imperial Family, to use the genealogy, family history, and family name of my direct lineage ancestors, as well as the symbolic and spiritual value attached thereto, for the following purposes:
In particular, we state that when the Imperial Family or related companies assert their own historical views or legitimacy, they should not use the direct ancestry, genealogy, or family history of the Hashimoto family as evidence. This is based on the Hashimoto Family's right to self-determination, and the Imperial Family and related companies should assert their legitimacy solely on their own family history and achievements, and our Family will not provide any cooperation. This decision is essential to protect the dignity of our Family and reduce its mental burden.
Article 4 (Legitimateness of the exercise of the right to self-determination)
I believe this decision is justified for the following reasons:
Article 5 (Declaration of Independence of Relations)
For the above reasons, the Hashimoto family will distance itself from any authority structures, symbolic networks, or historical ties and adopt a completely independent position. Any spiritual, historical, or symbolic ties that may have existed up until now have come to an end with this statement. Our family will not cooperate with the legitimacy claims of the Imperial Family or related companies, and will respect each individual's right to stand on their own merits. The disclosure of our family tree is intended to publicly demonstrate our family's independence.
Article 6 (Nature of this Statement)
The Hashimoto family will continue to respect the footsteps of our ancestors from an independent standpoint and quietly preserve their name. This statement is a legitimate exercise of my right to self-determination and a necessary measure to protect the dignity of individuals and their right to pursue happiness. I hereby express my hope for the realization of a society in which the right of self-determination of all people is respected.
Primary Sources
## Detailed Evidence and Historical Documentation
### For Researchers, Genealogists, and Academic Verification
The claims presented on this page are substantiated by **85+ primary sources and official documents**, all verified and catalogued by the National Diet Library of Japan and Nara Prefectural Library.
#### Categories of Primary Sources:
**A. Official Government Records (Meiji Era)**
- Family Stipend Return Petition (明治7年家禄奉還願) - 1874
- Original family registers (koseki) with samurai status documentation
- Provincial administrative records
**B. Medieval Genealogical Records**
- *Sonpi Bunmyaku* (尊卑分脈) - Official aristocratic genealogy
- *Monzeki Den* (門跡伝) - Temple lineage records
- *Shin Hensan Zubon Honchō Sonpi Bunmyaku* (新編纂図本朝尊卑分脈系譜雑類要集)
**C. Contemporary Historical Records (16th Century)**
- *Tamon-in Nikki* (多聞院日記) - Temple diary with mentions of Hashimoto family members
- *Daijō-in Jisha Zōjiki* (大乗院寺社雑事記) - Temple and shrine records
- Estate management documents from Hasshiin-shō (発志院荘)
**D. Physical Evidence**
- Grave markers bearing the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum crest (十六菊紋)
- Temple property records
- Land ownership documents
### Access Complete Documentation
**All primary sources, images, and direct links to National Diet Library digital collections are available on the comprehensive Japanese-language evidence page:**
View all 85+ historical sources with digital archive links
→ View Complete Evidence (Japanese)Note: Historical documents are in classical Japanese. International researchers can verify original sources through linked digital archives.
For questions regarding the evidence or to request access to specific historical documents:
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