The Japanese imperial court system of appointing government officials was based on familial connections and favors. This system allowed the powerful and influential families of Japan to maintain their dominance and control over the government. The Fujiwara family was able to capitalize on this system by intermarrying with the imperial family, which allowed them to gain immense political power and influence. They used their connections to the imperial court to appoint family members and allies to key positions in the government, creating a network of power that extended across Japan. As a result, the Fujiwara family became the de facto rulers of Japan for several centuries, until the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of a centralized military government in the late 12th century.
