Kamakura period

Ancient Provinces of Japan Ryoseikoku Map

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Nio guardians by Unkei in Nara

Head of a Guardian 13thcentury Japan

Takezaki suenaga ekotoba3

Kamakura period (1185–1333) was a pivotal era in Japanese history, marking the transition from the classical court society of the Heian period to the feudal age that would dominate Japan until the mid-19th century. This period is named after the city of Kamakura, which became the political center of Japan during this time under the rule of the Minamoto clan, followed by the Hōjō clan regents.

History

The Kamakura period began in 1185, after the victory of Minamoto no Yoritomo over the Taira clan at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, which ended the Genpei War. Yoritomo established the bakufu, or shogunate, a military government at Kamakura, thus inaugurating the era of shogunal rule in Japan. The Kamakura shogunate differed significantly from the central imperial court in Kyoto, focusing on military prowess and governance by the samurai class.

In 1192, Yoritomo was officially appointed Shogun, solidifying his power and the governance structure of the period. Following Yoritomo's death, power eventually passed to his wife's family, the Hōjō, who ruled as regents for the shogun, effectively controlling the shogunate and Japan.

The Kamakura period is also notable for the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281, led by Kublai Khan. Despite their superior numbers and tactics, the Mongol fleets were destroyed by typhoons, known as "kamikaze" (divine winds), allowing Japan to remain independent and significantly influencing Japanese self-perception and military tactics.

Culture

The Kamakura period saw significant cultural developments, including the emergence of the samurai as a distinct class and the establishment of Bushido, the way of the warrior. This era also witnessed the spread of Zen Buddhism among the samurai class, influencing Japanese culture, art, and philosophy.

Literature flourished during this period, with works such as the "Tale of the Heike" chronicling the Genpei War and the rise and fall of the Taira clan. This period also saw the creation of the first Noh plays, a form of classical Japanese musical drama that remains popular today.

Government and Society

The Kamakura shogunate established a feudal system in Japan, with the shogun at the top, followed by the daimyo (feudal lords), samurai, and then the peasantry. This period marked the rise of the samurai class, who became the ruling elite of Japanese society.

The Jōkyū War in 1221 was a significant conflict during this period, resulting in the further consolidation of the shogunate's power and the decline of the imperial court's influence.

Decline

The Kamakura period ended with the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate by Emperor Go-Daigo in the Kenmu Restoration of 1333. However, this restoration was short-lived, as Ashikaga Takauji, a general who initially supported Go-Daigo, turned against him, establishing the Ashikaga shogunate and initiating the Muromachi period.

Legacy

The Kamakura period laid the foundations for Japan's feudal system and the samurai culture that would dominate Japanese society for centuries. It also contributed significantly to Japanese art, literature, and religion, influencing the country's development in profound ways.