Taira No Kiyomori was a prominent Japanese military leader during the late Heian period. He was the head of the Taira clan, which played a significant role in the power struggles of the time. Kiyomori is best known for his efforts to consolidate power and influence, ultimately becoming the first samurai to hold the title of Chancellor. Kiyomori's rise to power marked the beginning of the Genpei War, a conflict between the Taira clan and the Minamoto clan. His leadership and military strategies were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Japan, although his eventual defeat led to the decline of the Taira clan's dominance.