The Watanabe clan was based in Watanabe-Tsu in Settsu, and as well as being members of the Takiguchi-no-Musha, who served as protectors of the Emperor in the Emperor's purification ritual (Yasoshima Festival) performed on Sumiyoshi Ward beach (Osaka Bay), the family also held positions in the central government, including the Emonfu and Hyoefu Guards, and was one of the main families in the Seto Inland Sea navy.
渡辺氏は摂津の渡辺津を本拠地とし、住吉区の浜（大阪湾）で行われる天皇の清めの儀式（八十嶋祭）に従事する天皇警護の滝口武者の一族であるとともに、衛門府、兵衛府など中央の官職を有し、また水軍として瀬戸内海の水軍の棟梁格の武家。