Shogunate timeline

By Atong Kon Chol
  • 1185

    Kamkura

    Begining on Kamkura Shogun
  • 1185

    Taira clan defeated

    The rival Taira clan is defeated at sea at the Battle of Dan-no-ura by Yoritomo's brother Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
  • 1195

    Todaiji temple restored

    The Todaiji temple at Nara, Japan, is restored by the Minamoto clan.
  • 1225

    Vice-regent

    The position of vice-regent to the shogun (rensho) is created in Japan.
  • 1232

    New law code created

    A new law code, the Joei Code (Joei shikimoku), is established in Japan.
  • 1249

    Hikitsukeshu formed

    A High Court, the Hikitsukeshu, is formed in Japan.
  • 1274

    First invasion

    The first invasion of Japan by the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan fails.
  • 1281

    Second invation

    The second invasion of Japan by the Mongol ruler/Yuan dynasty emperor Kublai Khan fails.
  • 1333

    Kamakura destroyed

    Nitta Yoshisada attacks and destroys Kamakura, capital of Japan's Kamakura Shogunate.
  • Period: 1333 to 1336

    Kenmu Restoration

    The Kenmu Restoration when the Japanese emperor Go-Daigo uses rebel warlords to oust the Kamakura Shogunate.
  • 1336

    Muromachi

    Muromachi Shogun begins
  • 1336

    Yoshisada defeated

    Ashikaga Takauji defeats Emperor Go-Daigo's chief ally Yoshisada at the battle of Minatogawa near Kobe.
  • Period: 1337 to 1392

    Two Emperors

    Japan has two competing emperors: the 'Northern and Southern Courts.
  • 1396

    Kinkakji built

    The Kinkakuji or 'Golden Pavilion' is built in Heiankyo (Kyoto) by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
  • 1401

    Joins tribute system

    Japan joins the tribute system of China's Ming Dynasty.
  • Period: 1460 to 1483

    Ginkakuji built

    Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) is built in Heiankyo (Kytoto) Japan by Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
  • Period: 1467 to 1477

    Onin War

    The Onin War between rival warlords rages in Japan.
  • Period: 1490 to 1493

    First spell

    Ashikaga Yoshitane rules in his first spell as shogun of Japan.
  • Period: 1508 to 1521

    Second spell

    Ashikaga Yoshitane rules in his second spell as shogun of Japan.
  • 1543

    First European contact

    The first European contact is made with Japan when three Portuguese traders have their ship blown onto the shores of southern Kyushu.
  • Period: 1550 to 1549

    Ashikaga Takauji and Tadayoshi battle

    Japan's shogun Ashikaga Takauji battles his brother Tadayoshi.

  • Tokugawa

    Tokugawa Ieyasu appoints himself shogun, formalizing Edo as the new capital from Kyoto.

  • Tokugawa death

    Tokugawa Ieyasu dies, transferring power to his sons.

  • Women banned from Kabuki stage

    Women banned from the kabuki stage. Kabuki actors were often the subject of Japanese woodblock prints.

  • Policy of national seclusion

    Policy of Japanese national seclusion established. Only Nagasaki Island is open, and only to traders from the Netherlands.

  • Woodblock

    The first coloured woodblock prints appear.

  • Edo population

    Edo has a population of 1 million people.

  • Coloured woodblocks

    Suzuki Harunobu invents Nishiki-e, “brocade pictures,” or woodblock printing in many colours.

  • Peasant uprising

    Peasant uprising against merchants and officials in the city of Osaka.

  • British and French

    British and French ships visit Nagasaki and request commercial relations with Japan. Their requests are denied.

  • US warship enter Japanese waters

    U.S. warships commanded by Matthew Perry enter Japanese waters. The country’s isolationist policy begins to unravel.

  • Treaty of Kanagawa

    Treaty of Kanagawa opens Japanese ports to U.S. ships.