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1457
Warring States Period Begins
The Warring States Period was a span of 100 years when Japan's many feudal lords, called daimyo, battled one another for power. -
1543
Portuguese merchants land in southern Japan
The Portuguese were the first to arrive in Japan, but many other Europeans would follow. At this time in history, native Japanese merchants were eager to trade silk and other goods for machinery like muskets. -
1549
Christian missionaries begin converting the Japanese
Christians, Jesuits, and Dominicans spread their religions throughout Japan without restriction, resulting in some 300,000 Japanese converts. -
1568
Oda Nabunaga conquers daimyo, claims capitol city in Kyoto; Warring States Period Ends
Oda Nobunaga is the victorious feudal lord, conquering all other daimyo and establishing Japan’s capitol in Kyoto. The Warring States Period is officially over. -
1575
Nobunaga uses muskets
Nobunaga and 3,000 soldiers use muskets in battle for the first time, defeating a sword-dependent samurai cavalry. -
1582
Nobunaga commits ritual suicide
After a humiliating military defeat, Nobunaga commits sappuku, the ritual suicide of a samurai warrior. -
Hideyoshi controls Japan
Hideyoshi, Nobunaga’s best general, takes control of Japan and is the closest yet to unifying the country through military conquest. -
Hideyoshi invades Korea
Continuing his military prowess, Hideyoshi invades Korea in an attempt to expand Japanese territory. Ultimately, he is unsuccessful and troops pull out of Korea after his death. -
Ieyasu founds Tokagawa Shogunate
Tokagawa Ieyasu comes to power and unifies Japan under a new capitol at Edo. He establishes the Shogunate, a succession of military rulers that would hold power until the 19th century. -
Ieyasu bans Christianity in Japan
With an increasing Christian presence threatening Confusion ideals and his control on the country, Ieyasu bans Christianity in Japan. -
Ieyasu dies, son succeeds him
After Ieyasu dies, the next shogun in line succeeds him and prosperity continues in Japan with no dramas and courtesan life in Edo. Persecution of Christians also continues. -
Shogunate seals Japan from foreign religion and trade
The Tokagawa Shogunate officially closes Japan to outside influence, expelling foreign religions and trade. Japan is a flourishing, self-sufficient country for 200 years. The sole trade post is with the Dutch and is controlled by government officials.
