The Murakami of western Japan were well-known as pirates of the [[Inland Sea]] that generated income by collecting tolls and various fees on shipping. They were descended from [[Murakami Yoshihiro]] (d. [[1374]]), and were composed of three branches, each with their own base of operations. By [[1550]], two of these branches were allied to the [[Mori clan (Aki)|Môri]]. They provided the bulk of the Môri's naval power and thus were key in establishing the Môri's domination of the Inland Sea, which lasted from around 1555-1576.
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The Murakami of western Japan were well-known as pirates of the [[Inland Sea]] who generated income by collecting tolls and various fees on shipping. They were descended from [[Murakami Yoshihiro]] (d. [[1374]]), and were composed of three branches, each with their own base of operations. By [[1550]], two of these branches were allied to the [[Mori clan (Aki)|Môri]]. They provided the bulk of the Môri's naval power and thus were key in establishing the Môri's domination of the Inland Sea, which lasted from around 1555-1576.