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1185
The Battle of Dan-no-ura
Minamoto no Yoshitsune's fleet defeats the naval forces of the Taira clan off the eastern end that separates Kyushu and Honshu. Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Dannoura
Image: https://samurai-world.com/contents/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Dannoura-1-800x519.jpg -
Period: 1185 to 1333
Kamakura Period
The Kamakura period established the basis of feudalism and marked the governance by the Kamakura shogunate The Minamoto family took control of Japan and officially marked the beginning of the Kamakura era. -
1192
Yoritomo is appointed as Shogun
Minamoto Yoritomo was the clan leader and founder the bakufu. A system of feudal lords who governed Japan. He became the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. Shogun was the title used by military dictators of Japan.
Image: https://cdn.britannica.com/61/198761-050-A942C22A/Minamoto-Yoritomo-colour-silk-cloth-Fujiwara-Takanobu.jpg -
Feb 9, 1199
Minamoto No Yoritomo Death
Yoritomo died at the age of 52. It is unclear on how he died, whether he felled off his horse, died due to illness or was assassinated. He was succeeded by his first son, Minamoto no Yoriie.
Image: https://alchetron.com/cdn/minamoto-no-yoritomo-fba4f68c-37a2-4ffb-95a7-d00f6be7272-resize-750.jpeg -
1200
Zen Buddhism introduced in Japan
Zen was introduced as a separate school in Japan during the Kamakura period. Nonin established the first Zen school which is known as Daruma school. Zen meaning was "sitting meditation" and was seen as a crucial religious practice.
Image: https://asiasociety.org/files/uploads/397images/SC168764_web.jpg -
1218
The Tale of Heike is first published
The Tale of Heike describes the struggle for power between the Heike and Genji forces during the sea battle of Dan-no-ura and the tragic downfall of the Taira family. This war tale discusses the establishment of a new warrior government under Minamoto and centered on the great battles and heroism of samurai warriors.
Image: https://global.canon/en/tsuzuri/works/38.html -
1221
Jōkyū War
In an attempt to overthrow the shogunate, Emperor Go-Toba gathered allies who were primarily enemies of Minamoto. Emperor Go-Toba's rebellion was put to an end against the Shogun's forces of Hojo Yoshitoki. As a result, Emperor Go-Toba was exiled to the Oki islands.
Image:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Emperor_Go-Toba.jpg -
1232
Joei Code are established.
Joei Code were a new law code which contained 51 articles stating rules on land disputes, religious matters, criminal offenses, and governing inheritances. It remained in effect for the next 635 years.
Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Goseibai_Shikimoku_Toyo_Bunko.jpg -
1252
The Kotokuin Temple is built
The Kotokuin Temple with the Great Buddha of Kamakura is built. It is a large bronze statue of Buddha. It was once located within a large temple hall but were destroyed due to tsunami and typhoons.
Image:https://www.japanvisitor.com/images/content_images/kamakura-daibutsu-2017-1.jpg -
1274
First Mongol Invasion
Kublai Khan, leader of the Mongol empire requested that Japan pay tribute to the Mongol court. Khan's diplomatic request was denied. The Mongols decided to invade Japan. The Mongol forces were superior in numbers and in weaponry but Japan's forces held their ground. As Mongol forces could not push into Japanese territory, they decided to withdraw. A terrible storm is said to have severely damaged the Mongol fleet.
Image: https://www.ancient.eu/uploads/images/10980.jpg?v=1612257302 -
1281
Second Mongol Invasion
The second invasion fleet is said to have been much larger than the first. Khan's forces attempted to invade Japan. Japan forces had foresaw this event in fear of another invasion they constructed fortifications. The fortifications prevented any deeper push from Khan's armies. Yet again, the weather caused havoc. A typhoon destroyed most of the Mongol fleet which saved Japan from the invasion.
Image: https://www.ancient.eu/uploads/images/10981.jpg?v=1611563404 -
1333
Kamakura shogunate are overthrown
Nitta Yoshisada supported the emperor Go Daiga who previously tried to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate. Yoshisada forces defeated Hojo clan and captured Kamakura. This marked the end of the Kamakura period.
Image: https://katanasforsale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/A-Battle-for-Honor-Power-and-Control.jpg
