The Hok-ke branch issued the de facto rulers of Japan through their hereditary position as imperial regents (Sesshō and Kampaku).

In the Kamakura period, it further split into the Five regent houses, who continued to monopolize the regency from the 12th century until 1868.

[2] Being located in the north (hoku) of his brother's mansion, the epithet Hoku-ke or abbreviated Hok-ke was given.

In the Kamakura period, Hok-ke split into the Five regent houses, Konoe, Takatsukasa, Kujō, Ichijō, and Nijō.

When the regency was abolished, a new hereditary peerage (kazoku) was established, and these houses were all appointed as Duke.