The anti-Taira clan movement became active as a result of the Shishigatani plot in 1177 and in 1180, Mochihitoo, the prince of Emperor Goshirakawa, raised an army to hunt down and destroy the Taira clan but, although he was soon defeated, this led to the rising up of forces throughout the nation who advocate opposition against the Taira clan.
1177年の鹿ケ谷の陰謀を嚆矢として、反平氏の動きが活発化し、1180年、後白河天皇の皇子以仁王が平氏追討の兵を挙げ、すぐ討ち取られたものの、これを契機に全国的に反平氏を標榜する勢力が立ち上がっていった。