Nagara was born as the eldest son of the
sadaijin Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu, a powerful figure in the court of
Emperor Saga. He was also a descendant of the early Japanese emperors and was well trusted by
Emperor Ninmyō since his time as crown prince, and attended on him frequently. However, after Ninmyō took the throne, Nagara's advancement was overtaken by his younger brother
Fujiwara no Yoshifusa. He served as director of the and in the imperial guard before finally making
sangi and joining the
kugyō in 844, ten years after his younger brother. In 850, Nagara's nephew
Emperor Montoku took the throne, and Nagara was promoted to and then , and in 851 to . In the same year, though, Nagara was overtaken once more as his brother
Fujiwara no Yoshimi, more than ten years his junior, was promoted to
chūnagon. In 854, when Yoshimi was promoted to
dainagon, Nagara was promoted to fill his old position of
chūnagon. In 856 he was promoted to , but died shortly thereafter at the age of 55. == Legacy ==