During the Warring States period (Japan), the family intermediated between the Hongan-ji Temple (Ikko-Ikki, a group of Ikko sect followers) and other feudal lords because the real mother of Kennyo HONGANJI had come from the Niwata family.
また、戦国時代_(日本)には本願寺顕如の生母を出した事から、本願寺（一向一揆）と諸大名の仲介役を行った事がある。