The Fujiwara regents were powerful aristocrats in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). They served as regents to the emperors, often marrying their daughters into the imperial family to secure political influence. This strategy allowed the Fujiwara clan to control the government while the emperors remained largely symbolic figures. The regents held the title of shōgun or sesshō and played a crucial role in shaping Japanese politics and culture. Their influence led to a flourishing of arts and literature, including the famous work The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. The Fujiwara's dominance eventually declined, paving the way for the rise of the samurai class.