the department of the inner (or privy) affairs) was a division of the eighth century Japanese government of the Imperial Court in Kyoto,[1] instituted in the Asuka period and formalized during the Heian period.

This ministry encompassed those of the Imperial Household whose functions brought them closest to the emperor.

Among those holding the highest office in the Imperial Household ministry was Takaharu-shinnō, who would later become Emperor Go-Daigo.

[3] The ceremonial nature of the Imperial Household has changed over time.

[4] The ambit of the Ministry's activities encompasses, for example: Amongst the significant Daijō-kan officials within this ministry structure were:[6] In the Meiji period, a variant equerry was introduced as part of the Imperial retinue.