Fujiwara no Matate

Fujiwara no Matate (715–766), first named Yatsuka, was a court noble of the Fujiwara Northern House, third son of Fujiwara no Fusasaki. A gifted poet favoured by Emperor Shōmu, he rose fast and became councillor in 748. He supported Fujiwara no Nakamaro's Chinese-style reforms and in 758 received the Tang-style name Matate.

In Nakamaro's rebellion of 764 he sided with retired Empress Kōken and commanded the imperial guards. Made great councillor in 766, he died soon after aged fifty-two and was posthumously made grand minister. His son Uchimaro continued the Northern House line.