Uji are Japanese kin groups of the Kofun period. Uji were similar to the traditional Japanese clans; however, the pre-Taika uji did not have many of the characteristics which are commonly understood to be part of Japanese clans. For example, the Nakatomi clan and the Fujiwara clan were each uji.

What do we mean by the word uji?

Uji is usually translated as “clan”...… Shintō: Early clan religion and ceremonies. …at that time was the uji (clan or family), and the head of each uji was in charge of worshiping...… be.

When did the uji hold power in Japan?

The uji were ruling clans of powerful warriors who controlled regions of Japan. When did they hold power? By 57 A.D., the uji controlled Japan.