Born into the Nakatomi, a clan hereditary in the worship of the gods. His birthplace is given as Fujiwara in Yamato (Nara) or as Hitachi (Ibaraki) (debated).
Around this time he studied Chinese learning at the school of the monk Min, back from Tang China. A later record says he was ranked with Soga no Iruka as the brightest pupil. Though born to a priestly house, he set his sights on politics.
Troubled that the Soga outshone the sovereign, he was seeking a royal ally. At a kickball game at Hōkō-ji he picked up Prince Naka no Ōe's fallen shoe and handed it back, and the two became close. On their way to study under Minabuchi no Shōan, they secretly discussed their plan.
At a court ceremony he and Prince Naka no Ōe struck down Soga no Iruka; Iruka's father Emishi took his own life, and the main Soga line fell. Under the new Emperor Kōtoku he became Inner Minister and supported the Taika Reforms.
The Reform Edict was issued, declaring land and people to belong to the state. As the prince's right hand, Kamatari kept supporting the building of a sovereign-centered state.
The army sent to aid Baekje was crushed at Baekgang by Tang and Silla. Kamatari and the prince hurried to prepare the country's defenses.
His ally Prince Naka no Ōe was enthroned at Ōmi Ōtsu Palace as Emperor Tenji. Kamatari had stood beside him for over twenty years, supporting reform.
When he fell ill, the emperor visited him in person. Just before his death he received the highest cap rank, the post of Inner Minister and the surname Fujiwara, and he died at 55. Through his son Fuhito, his Fujiwara descendants long flourished at the heart of the court.
Soga no UmakoPrince ShōtokuPrince Naka no Ōe (Emperor Tenji)Empress Jitō
People of the Asuka period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.