Japan Timeline

  • Period: 500 BCE to May 6, 794

    Nara Period

    Power was held by the Yamato Clan Emperors. The Yamato clan established the first Japanese state near Nara which was on the island Honshu. The Yamato rulers created a government which was based around a legal system and Chinese traditions. Nara had roughly around 200,000 people.
  • Period: May 5, 794 to May 6, 1185

    Heian Period

    Power was held by the Emporers. The emperor moved the capital from Nara to Heian-Kyo. It employed large numbers of warriors and samurai's to help them maintain their control.
  • Period: May 5, 1185 to May 6, 1333

    Kamakura period

    They had a stable government for 150 years. Minamoto no Yoritomo became the first shogun to gain the power to rule Japan.
  • Period: May 8, 1336 to May 9, 1573

    Ashikaga Shoguns

    Between 1467-77 they started the Onin War. The third shogun managed to elimanate his eneimies and created an era of stability that lasted for several years.
  • Period: May 8, 1573 to

    Warring States

    At this time power was held by Oda Nobunaga, Toyotoi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Leyasu. There was a breakdown of the Shogunate rule.
  • Period: to

    Edo Period

    During this period power was held by the Tokugawa Shoguns. The capital got changed to Edo which is known now as Toyko. They were isolated from the rest of the world.