Nakayama Tadachika was a Japanese court noble and writer during the late Heian and early Kamakura period and a member of the influential Fujiwara family.
Background
He was the third son of Fujiwara no Tadamune (藤原忠宗, 1087 – September 30, 1133), member of the Kasannoin family who were direct descendants of the Hokke branch of the Fujiwara clan. His mother was a daughter of Fujiwara no Ieyasu (藤原家保, 1080 – September 11, 1136).
Career
Living the last years of his life in Nakayama, in the Eastern part of the capital at Heian-kyō (Kyoto), he took the name Nakayama Naidaijin (中山内大臣). He made a career as lieutenant general of the imperial guards, became Head Chamberlain (kurōdo no tō) and in 1164 was appointed as associate counselor (Sangi) at the Imperial court. During the heyday of the Taira, he was appointed Provisional Master (Gon-no-daibu) of Empress Dowager Kenrei"s (Taira no Tokuko) household and to Master (Daibu) of her son"s, Crown Prince Tokihito (later Emperor Antoku), household.
Despite loss of his office and rank shortly after the downfall of the Taira (1185), he was appointed to Dainagon and later, in 1191, to Inner Minister (Naidaijin), senior second rank, just below the Minister of the Left (Sadaijin) and Minister of the Right (Udaijin).
Nakayama Tadachika was well versed in ancient practices, court ceremonies and legislation. He held the position of bettō of the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
In 1185 Minamoto no Yoritomo recommended him as one of ten Kisō (議奏) to discuss politics in council.