Kamakura Period: A New Nation Ruled by Bushi

(1185–1333)

- Prologue: The Birth of the Kamakura Shogunate

In 1185, the Battle of Dan-no-Ura marked the end of the Genpei War, leading to the fall of the Taira clan.
Victorious, Minamoto no Yoritomo established a new base of power for the bushi in Kamakura, signaling the dawn of a new era.

In 1192, Yoritomo was appointed Sei-i Taishogun by the imperial court, thus founding Japan’s first bushi-led government, the Kamakura Shogunate.
This marked the beginning of a new political order where bushi ruled Japan for the first time.

- Chapter 1: The Hojo Clan’s Regency and the Rise of Bushi Rule

After Yoritomo’s death, the real power shifted to the Hojo clan, led by his wife Masako’s family.
Through the position of regent (shikken), the Hojo clan gradually took control of the shogunate, forming what became known as the regency government.

(Hojo Tokimasa)

Hojo Tokimasa, the first regent, secured his position but was eventually overthrown in a power struggle.

 

(Upper left is Yoshitoki)

Hojo Yoshitoki, the second regent, reorganized the government and solidified the Hojo clan’s control over the shogunate.

Jokyu War (1221)

Emperor Go-Toba attempted to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate but was defeated by Hojo Yoshitoki’s forces.
This victory further strengthened the shogunate’s authority, ensuring the Hojo clan’s dominance for years to come.

 

(Hojo Yasutoki)

Under Hojo Yasutoki and later regents, the regency system evolved into a stable national government, setting the foundation for bushi society across the country.

 

- Chapter 2: The Mongol Invasions – The Threat from Abroad

In 1274, the Kamakura Shogunate faced its greatest challenge when Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongol Empire, sent emissaries demanding Japan’s submission. The shogunate’s refusal led to the Mongol invasions.

Battle of Bun'ei (1274)

The Mongol fleet, consisting of 900 ships and 20,000 soldiers, attacked northern Kyushu. Despite the Mongol army’s advanced tactics and weaponry, Japanese bushi fought fiercely, and an unexpected storm (later called "kamikaze") forced the Mongols to retreat.

Battle of Koan (1281)

Kublai Khan launched a second invasion with 14,000 ships and 140,000 soldiers, the largest naval force of its time.
After prolonged fighting, another powerful storm devastated the Mongol fleet, forcing them to retreat once again.

This storm was later called "kami kaze" in Japan and became a symbolic event that saved Japan.

While Japan successfully defended itself, the invasions left the shogunate financially strained. Bushi discontent grew, as there were no new lands to reward their efforts.

 

- Chapter 3: The Fall of the Kamakura Shogunate and Emperor Go-Daigo’s Challenge

After overcoming the Mongol invasions, the Kamakura Shogunate began to weaken due to the financial burden and its failure to sufficiently reward the bushi.
Dissatisfaction grew among local lords and bushi, leading to movements for independence and unrest throughout the country.
Amid this turmoil, Emperor Go-Daigo emerged as a pivotal figure, determined to create a new era.

Dreaming of “a nation he would rule directly,” Go-Daigo conspired to overthrow the shogunate.

Despite initial failures and exile, he persevered and finally succeeded in 1333, bringing down the Kamakura Shogunate.
Thus began a new political experiment known as the Kenmu Restoration, where Go-Daigo aimed to realize his vision of a just and direct imperial rule.

However, the gap between his ideals and the realities of bushi society led to widespread dissatisfaction, and the Kenmu Restoration collapsed after only two years.

 

- Final Chapter: The Road to the Muromachi Shogunate

In 1336, Ashikaga Takauji turned against Go-Daigo and seized control of Kyoto, establishing the Muromachi Shogunate.
Takauji aimed to rebuild bushi society under a new, centralized system, distinct from the Kamakura Shogunate.

The Muromachi Shogunate became a pivotal moment in Japanese history, blending bushi strength with aristocratic culture. This era saw the flourishing of Muromachi culture, a new wave of artistic and political innovation that shaped Japan’s future.

Thus, the foundation laid by the Kamakura Shogunate paved the way for Japan’s journey into the Muromachi period, an age of new cultural and political transformations.

 

Next Episode: "The Muromachi Period – The Beginning of Glory and Turmoil"