Northern Fujiwara
The "Northern Fujiwara" (奥州藤原氏 "Ōshū Fujiwara-shi") were a Japanese noble family that ruled the Tōhoku region during the 12th century as their own realm. They kept their independence vis-a-vis the Imperial Court in Kyoto by the strength of their warrior bands until they were overwhelmed by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1189.