Japan

By shakinthatshakadiddy
  • 600

    Introduction of Zen Buddhism

    A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai's focus on discipline and meditation.
  • 1100

    Bushido code becomes central to samurai life

    The samurai code of honour and loyalty guided behavior and social expectations.
  • Period: 1100 to

    Rise of the Samurai Class

    Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
  • 1192

    Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes the first shogun

    Established Japan's first military government and began the shogunate system.
  • Period: 1274 to 1281

    The Mongol Invasion of Japan

    Mongol forces tried to invade Japan but were defeated, partly due to "divine winds."
  • 1336

    Ashikaga Shogunate begins

    Ashikaga Takauji took power, marking a new shogunate after the fall of Kamakura rule.
  • Period: 1467 to 1477

    Onin War and the start of the Sengoku Period

    A civil war between powerful daimyo that plunged Japan into chaos for over 100 years.
  • 1549

    Arrival of Christian missionaries (Francis Xavier)

    Christianity was introduced to Japan, leading to cultural exchange and later suppression.
  • 1582

    Oda Nobunaga unifies much of Japan

    Powerful warlord who began Japan's unification using advanced military tactics.

  • Toyotomi Hideyoshi completes Japan's unification

    Finished the unification process and implemented strict social rules.

  • Tokugawa becomes Shogun

    Began the Tokugawa Shogunate, a time of peace, order, and isolation.
  • Period: to

    Sakoku - Japan's isolation policy

    Japan closed itself off to foreign contact, banning Christianity and trade with most nations.
  • Period: to

    Opening of Japan (end of isolation) Western nations forced Japan to open trade, leading to the fall of the shogunate.

    Western nations forced Japan to open trade, leading to the fall of the shogunate.