Fujiwara no Muneie (藤原宗家)
FUJIWARA no Muneie (1139 - May 16, 1189) was a Kugyo (a top court official) during the late Heian period. His original name was Nobuyoshi (until 1164). He was the first son of Naidaijin (Minister of the Interior) FUJIWARA no Muneyoshi, who belonged to the Nakamikado Line of the Northern House of the Fujiwara clan.
In 1141, he was appointed to Jugoi (Junior Fifth Rank) and appointed to Jugoinojo (Junior Fifth Rank, Upper Grade) jiju (Chamberlain) in 1149. He was promoted to Shogoi (Senior Fifth Rank) in 1151. He was appointed to Ukone no shosho (Minor Captain of the Right Division of Inner Palace Guards) in 1155, to Jushiinoge (Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade) Sakone no shosho (Minor Captain of the Left Division of Inner Palace Guards) in the following year, and successively promoted to Jushiinojo (Junior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade). He was appointed to Shoshiinoge (Senior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade) Sakone no chujo (Middle Captain of the Left Division of Inner Palace Guards) in 1158 and became Tono Chujo (the first secretary's captain) in the next year, serving as an additional post of Kurodo no to (Head Chamberlain), and also served as Chugu Gon no suke (Provisional Assistant Master of the Consort's Household). In 1160, he was appointed to Sangi (councilor) and was promoted to Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank) in 1162. In 1164, he was promoted to Shosanmi (Senior Third Rank). He was appointed to Gon Chunagon (a provisional vice-councilor of state) in 1166 and switched to Chunagon (vice-councilor of state) two years later. He was promoted to Junii (Junior Second Rank) in 1172 and promoted to Shonii (Senior Second Rank) in 1176, and was appointed to Dainagon (chief councilor of state) in 1179. He died from an illness in his stomach in 1189.
He succeeded in the secret teachings of Kagura (a musical dance) and koto (a long Japanese zither with 13 strings) from his father and formed the basis for the Matsunoki family (also known as the Nakamikado family) to blossom as the family of Gakudo (school of Japanese Court Music).