-
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 -
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.
-
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
