In 527–528 (Keitai 21–22), Tsukushi no Kimi Iwai, a powerful chieftain who independently controlled northern Kyushu, allied with Silla to block a Yamato court expedition bound for the Korean peninsula. After fierce fighting with a court army led by Mononobe no Arakahi, the uprising was crushed—one of the largest regional rebellions recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

AncientRebellion

9th month, Tenpyō-hōji 8 (764)

The Rebellion of Fujiwara no Nakamaro (Emi no Oshikatsu) — The Grand Minister's Uprising Against Retired Empress Kōken and Dōkyō

In 764, Fujiwara no Nakamaro (Emi no Oshikatsu), who held supreme power as Grand Minister (Taishi), rose in rebellion in an attempt to remove the monk Dōkyō, who had risen to prominence through the favor of Retired Empress Kōken. Nakamaro failed to seize the imperial seal and bell that symbolized sovereign authority, fled to Ōmi Province, and was hunted down and killed at Katsuno-onie in Takashima District. In the aftermath, Emperor Junnin was exiled to Awaji, Retired Empress Kōken resumed the throne as Empress Shōtoku, and Dōkyō's power grew further as Chancellor-Preceptor.

AncientRebellion

8th–11th month, Tenpyō 12 (740)

The Rebellion of Fujiwara no Hirotsugu — The Dazaifu Uprising Against Genbō and Kibi no Makibi

In Tenpyō 12 (740), Fujiwara no Hirotsugu, who had been demoted to Dazai no Shōni (junior assistant governor-general of Dazaifu), raised an army at Dazaifu. He demanded the expulsion of the monk Genbō and the scholar Kibi no Makibi, who held real power at court. This was a civil war of the Nara period. He led forces levied from the provinces of Kyushu, but he was defeated by court forces at the Battle of the Itabitsu River. Hirotsugu was captured in Matsura District, Hizen Province, and executed. Emperor Shōmu left Heijō-kyō before news of the suppression of the rebellion reached the capital. He then entered the "five years of wandering," during which he repeatedly moved the capital to Kuni-kyō, Naniwa-no-miya, and Shigaraki-no-miya.