What is okuchi-no-makami?

Okuchi-no-Makami is a Japanese title that was used to denote the position of the highest-ranking official in the imperial court during the Heian period (794-1185). The position was responsible for overseeing the administration of the court and was considered one of the most important positions in the imperial hierarchy.

The title was first used in the mid-Heian period and was held by members of some of the most powerful families in Japan, including the Fujiwara and Taira clans. The Okuchi-no-Makami held authority only second to the Emperor himself.

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the position of Okuchi-no-Makami lost its political power and evolved into a purely ceremonial role. Today, the title is no longer in use, and its functions have been absorbed into other positions in the Japanese government. Nevertheless, the term is still used in Japan's ceremonial court language.