The Aim of Michinaga’s 道長 Support for the Kangakue 勧学会

Abstract

The Kangakue 勧学会 ceremony, held in the mid-Heian period, was notable as a meeting of middle-class bureaucrats. Due to a decline in attendance and damage to the venue, the event ceased to exist. However, with the support of Fujiwara no Michinaga 藤原道長 （966–1027）, a powerful man of the time, the Kangakue was revived.

In a Chinese poem thanking him for his support, we read Michinaga’s words of warning. Michinaga says he passes on the old traditions of his predecessors. In a document in which Yoshishige Yasutane 慶滋保胤 （933–1002）, a leading figure in the Kangakue, calls on its members, importance is placed on the study of Buddhism and Confucianism on an equal footing. Michinaga took the same attitude and organised discussion meetings, and also praised the excellence of the debates. As a politician, Michinaga also actively engaged in debate.

Michinaga offered support for the Kangakue for the training of young politicians who could debate issues as he did.