[1][2][3] In the late Heian period, following the assassination of Kudō Suketsune as described in the Soga Monogatari, his descendants were scattered in various locations in Japan.

One cadet branch of the clan were appointed jitō of Hyūga Province by the Kamakura shogunate and eventually came to control vast estates.

In the 1600s, the domain began cultivating Japanese cedar cuttings developing forestry as a major scope of income.

During the Bakumatsu period, the domain was in financial difficulties, and in 1851 the retainers' stipends were reduced to one-third, and in 1857 a thrift ordinance was issued.

During his tenure the han school produced many talented people who would later serve in the Meiji government, including Komura Jutarō, who became Minister of Foreign Affairs and who signed the Portsmouth Treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.