[2] The dispute was also about the degree of control exercised by the Fujiwara clan who had become hereditary Imperial regents during the Heian period.

It is considered the beginning in a chain of events which would produce the first of three samurai-led governments in the history of Japan.

When Go-Shirakawa ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne, a new phase of this multi-faceted power struggle began to unfold.

Each rival side in turn beckoned the Minamoto and Taira clans of samurai.

This made way for Go-Shirakawa to abdicate while still continuing to exercise unfettered Imperial powers.

Sutoku was banished to Sanuki Province of Shikoku; Fujiwara no Yorinaga was killed in battle, and Minamoto no Tameyoshi and Taira no Tadamasa were executed.