Emperor Daigo

As the Soga had taken control of the throne in the sixth century, the Fujiwara by the ninth century had intermarried with the imperial family, and one of their members is the first head of the Emperor's Private Office.

Another Fujiwara becomes regent for his grandson, at this time a minor emperor, and yet another is appointed kanpaku (regent for an adult emperor).

Toward the end of the ninth century, several emperors try, but fail, to check the Fujiwara.

For a time, however, during the reign of Emperor Daigo (897-930), the Fujiwara regency is suspended as he rules directly.

The Fujiwara are, nevertheless, not demoted by Daigo, but actually become stronger during his reign.

Central control of Japan has continued to decline, and the Fujiwara, along with other great families and religious foundations, acquire ever larger shoen and greater wealth during the early tenth century.

By the early Heian period, the shoen have obtained legal status, and the large religious establishments seek clear titles in perpetuity, waiver of taxes, and immunity from government inspection of the shoen they hold.

Those people who work the land find it advantageous to transfer title to shoen holders in return for a share of the harvest.

People and lands are increasingly beyond central control and taxation, a de facto return to conditions before the Taika Reform.

Four poets are selected to compile the Kokin Wakashū, an anthology of poetry in the classical thirty-one-syllable “waka” form, under the imperial order of Emperor Daigo.

Four Japanese court poets had been selected to compile the Kokin Wakashū, an anthology of poetry in the classical thirty-one- syllable “waka” form.

The Kokin Wakashū ("Collection of Japanese Poems of Ancient and Modern Times"), commonly abbreviated as Kokinshū, is an Imperial anthology, conceived of by Emperor Uda, who reigned from 887 to 897, and published by order of his son Emperor Daigo, who will reign from 897 to 930, in approximately 905.

Its finished form dates to around 920, though according to several historical accounts the last poem was added to the collection in 914.

The compilers of the anthology are led by Ki no Tsurayuki and also including Ki no Tomonori (who died before its completion), Ōshikōchi Mitsune, and Mibu no Tadamine.