Murakami clan (Chugoku)

The Murakami of Chugoku's kamon.

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 composed of three branches, each with their own base of operations, and by 1550 were allied to the 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. One branch of the Murakami was well-established in coastal Iyo province and was connected to the Kôno family.