TAIRA MASAMORI

flourished 12th century, , Japan warrior responsible for the rise to power of the Taira clan in Japan. The leader of a powerful provincial warrior family, Masamori was hired by the court in 1108 to eliminate a troublesome member of the powerful Minamoto clan, who had occupied the area of western Japan along the Inland Sea. The Minamoto warriors were not accustomed to fighting in sea and coastal areas, and Masamori proved victorious. He was lavishly rewarded by the Emperor, who allowed the family to settle in western Japan, where trade with China was highly profitable. The Taira gradually increased their power until by 1159 they dominated all of Japan.