Soga clan

The Soga clan (Japanese: 蘇我氏, Hepburn: Soga-shi) was one of the most powerful aristocratic kin groups (uji) of the Asuka period of the early Japanese state—the Yamato polity—and played a major role in the spread of Buddhism in Japan. Through the 5th and 7th centuries, the Soga monopolized the kabane or hereditary rank of Great Omi and was the first of many families to dominate the Imperial House of Japan by influencing the order of succession and government policy.

The Soga clan is believed to have been founded by Soga no Ishikawa, son of Takenouchi no Sukune and great-grandson of Emperor Kōgen.

Due to the clan's heavy influence from the mainland, specifically to that of Korea, scholars have theorized that the clan might have been founded by immigrants (Toraijins).

The founder of the Soga clan, Soga no Ishikawa's father, Takenouchi no Sukune is also suspected to be a Toraijin as he had many descendants who were associated with clans that had close relationships with Korea such as the Soga clan and the Hata clan (through his son Hata no Yashiro). Takenouchi no Sukune's name appears multiple times in Korean records and was heavily associated in Silla–Wa affairs at the time. He is best known for serving as Grand Minister (Ōomi) to the Regent Empress Jingū, who descended from Amenohiboko, a prince from Silla.

Alexander Vovin, a linguist specialising in East Asian languages also stated that the Soga clan members likely had Korean origin. Linguistically, he posited that the name "Soga" was in fact a combination of Korean words: "So" from "Sor", an ancient Korea word for metal, and "Ga" from "-kan", a suffix that was used as titles for royal and high nobility in Silla that may have roots in the Central Asian word "Khan". This would result in "Sor-kan", but since Western Old Japanese (WOJ) did not include final consonants, "So[r]ka[n]" ultimately became "Soka" and later "Soga". Vovin postulated that the name could be interpreted as meaning "Prince (royalty) of the Sor (metal) [clan]". Metal was a material specifically alluding to the kingdom of Silla where a variant of the word "Sor" can also be found in "Seora (徐羅)", an alternative name for Silla, and in "Seorabeol", present day Gyeongju and ancestor name for Seoul. The significance of metal is also evident in Seorabeol's representative Chinese characters, "金城" meaning "city of gold (or metal)". In essence, Soga clan's heavy hints of Silla influence are also represented by the Hata clan, another Silla-originating clan that also descend from Takenouchi no Sukune, someone that was integral to Silla–Wa affairs and an individual who Vovin also suspects of being Korean.

Another indication arises from the names of the members themselves. Names such as "Soga no Karako (蘇我韓子)", meaning "Korean person of Soga" and his son, "Soga no Koma (蘇我高麗)", meaning "Goguryeo person of Soga" all allude to possible Korean origins.

『元年正月，蘇我大臣馬子宿禰依合戰願，於飛鳥地建法興寺。立刹柱日，嶋大臣井百餘人，皆著百濟服，觀者悉悅。』
"In January of year 593, during the event of erecting the pillars of Asuka Temple, a hundred people under Soga no Umako were wearing Baekje clothing and the guests were entertained."

— Fusō Ryakuki