[5] His reign coincided with the culmination of Heian period culture and the apex of the power of the Fujiwara clan.

The young Emperor Ichijō was under the influence of his uncle Fujiwara no Michinaga from the start of his reign,[7] though Michinaga's true ascent to political dominance did not begin until 995 after the deaths of his older brothers and the exile of his political rival and nephew, Korechika.

After Kaneie died in 990, his first son and Ichijō's uncle Fujiwara no Michitaka was appointed regent.

For this reason, high ranked courtiers felt the necessity for their daughter to hold cultural salons with many skillful lady poets.

During Ichijō's reign, Imperial visits were first made to the following four shrines: Kasuga, Ōharano, Matsunoo, and Kitano; and in the years which followed, Emperors traditionally made yearly Imperial visits to these shrines and to three others: Kamo, Iwashimizu and Hirano.

These tombs reached their present state as a result of the 19th century restoration of imperial sepulchers (misasagi) which were ordered by Emperor Meiji.

[18] Kugyō (公卿) is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras.

[22] [23] Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD  * Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed.