YOSHIDA

Yoshida: translation

Priestly clan (from 1375; formerly the Urabe). Along with theShirakawaclan, the Yoshida filled the post ofJingihakufor the Imperial household. Scholars and spokesmen such asYoshida, KanetomoandYoshida, Kanemigiestablished their authority as experts in the history and status of shrines, initially in central Japan around Kyoto but eventually in all areas of Japan. Though their influence waned under criticism fromHirata, Atsutaneand otherkokugakuactivists in the late eighteenth century the Yoshida were responsible up to 1868 for issuing licences and ranks to all shrines except the minority directly linked to the Imperial house which came under the control of theShirakawa. Under their tutelage many local kami and folk-deities were given official recognition and lay people became increasingly involved in the communal management of shrines.