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The Heian period began when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Kyoto. The emperor’s power weakened, and nobles called daimyo gained control, protected by samurai. Military leaders called shoguns became more powerful than the emperor, who ruled Japan for around 700 years
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The Genpei War (1180–1185) was a civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The Minamoto won, and Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan’s first shogun in 1192. He created the first bakufu. This began Japan’s feudal era, where real power to the shogun in Kamakura, rather than the emperor.
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Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China during the 12th century. It emphasized meditation, self-control, and inner peace rather than rituals or scriptures. This philosophy deeply influenced the samurai, shaping their values of discipline, mindfulness, and calmness in battle.
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In 1192, Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan became Japan’s first commander-in-chief, soon passing it down to his sons. The emperor stayed in Kyoto with little real control, while Yoritomo ruled from Kamakura through his military government.
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The Mongol Invasions of Japan occurred when the Mongol Empire attempted to conquer Japan. Despite their large armies, the invasions failed due to strong Japanese resistance and powerful typhoons known as “kamikaze” or “divine winds.” These storms destroyed much of the Mongol army, strengthening Japan’s belief in divine protection.
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The Muromachi period (1336–1573) was ruled by the Muromachi shogunate. It was a time of political chaos but also major cultural growth via Zen Buddhism. Arts like flower arranging and ink painting flourished. During this era, the daimyos gained power by controlling the samurai, weakening the shogun
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In 1336, Ashikaga Takauji overthrew the Kamakura Shogunate and made his own rule in Kyoto. This marked the start of the muromachi period, a time of both artistic development and political conflict among samurai clans.
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The Onin War began in 1467 as a conflict between powerful daimyos over political power in Kyoto. The war destroyed much of the capital and weakened the shogunate’s authority, leading to a century of constant fighting known as the Sengoku Period.
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Christianity was introduced to Japan by Francis Xavier, a missionary from Europe. His arrival led to cultural exchange between Japan and the West, influencing trade, education, and more. However, as Christianity spread, the shogunate later saw it as a threat to them and began suppressing it in the early 1600s.
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Oda Nobunaga was a powerful warlord who began unifying Japan during the Sengoku period. He used advanced military tactics, including firearms and disciplined formations, to defeat rival clans and expand his control. Although he was assassinated before completing his mission, his efforts paved the way for Japan’s later unification.
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The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1574–1600) was when Japan became unified under the daimyo Oda Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This era was known for its luxury and grand style, with large castles and mansions replacing older temple designs.
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Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed the unification of Japan after decades of warfare in 1590. He made a strong government and introduced strict rules, like separating samurai, farmers, and merchants into their own classes. His leadership brought stability and peace to Japan before the rise of the tokugawa shogunate.
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After Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598, Tokugawa Leyasu rose to power. The emperor appointed him as shogun (military ruler), making him the first leader of the Tokugawa Shogunate — a government that ruled Japan for over 250 years, bringing peace and stability after years of war.
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After Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598, Tokugawa Ieyasu was made shogun by the emperor. He founded the Tokugawa Shogunate, beginning the Edo period. This was a long era of peace and prosperity.
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The bushido code became central to samurai life during the edo period. It showed life rules, such as honor, loyalty, courage, and self-discipline, guiding how samurai conducted themselves both in battle and in society. Bushido shaped Japan’s values and influenced the culture.
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The 'Sakoku policy', or Japan’s isolation policy, began in 1639 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. It closed Japan to most outside contact, banned Christianity, and limited trade to a few approved nations like China and the Netherlands. This isolation lasted for over 200 years.
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Japan’s isolation ended in 1853 when Matthew Perry from the United States arrived with warships, demanding that Japan open its ports to trade. Facing military pressure, Japan signed treaties with Western nations, leading to increased foreign influence. This eventually weakened the Tokugawa Shogunate and soon put him out of power