Fujiwara no Otsu (藤原大津)

FUJIWARA no Otsu (792-November 6, 854) was a government official in the early Heian period. He was a member of the Northern House of the Fujiwara clan. He was the ninth child of FUJIWARA no Uchimaro. He was the paternal half-brother of FUJIWARA no Manatsu and FUJIWARA no Fuyutsugu. He was the father of FUJIWARA no Yoshitada.

He was appointed Ootoneri no Taijo (Senior Secretary of the Bureau of Royal Attendants) at the age of 18 and then served as Daijo (Senior Commissioner) of Hitachi Province and Ukon no Jo (Lieutenant of the Right Division of Inner Palace Guards), before being promoted to Kami (Governor) of Bingo Province with the rank of Jugoinoge (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade) in 826. Afterward, he held various posts including Daikenmotsu (a senior government auditor), Sani no To (Head of the Bureau of Holders of Rank Without Portfolio), Samanosuke (Vice-Minister of Left Division of Bureau of Horses), Governor of Shinano Province, and Governor of Bizen Province. During the Jowa Incident in August 842, he defended Uji-bashi Bridge in Yamashiro Province. He was promoted to Shogoinoge (Senior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade) in December 851. He died on November 6, 854 at the age of 63.

Although he was a short person, he was out-going and enjoyed archery. He served with distinction as a local government official behind and is said to have been respected by local people during his time as the Governor of Bingo and Iyo Provinces.

[Original Japanese]