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The first permanent capital is established at Nara, modelled on the Chinese idea of an emperor ruling from an imperial capital.
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Two powerful daimyo clans fight each other for control of Japan in the Gempei War.
Yoritomo establishes his government at Kamakura.
The Mongols make two unsuccessful attempts to invade Japan. -
The Ashikaga establish Kyoto as the centre for their shogunate after the Kamakura lose power.
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A new court is founded on site of present-day Kyoto. Calligraphy and poetry become important in this golden age in art and literature.