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The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1574–1600) was marked by the unification of Japan under the daimyō Oda Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This era saw the consolidation of central power and a flourishing of wealth and culture. Grand castles and mansions replaced traditional temple architecture, giving the period its name from Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle and Hideyoshi’s Momoyama Castle.
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The Muromachi period (1336–1573) was a time of both political instability and major cultural development under the Muromachi shogunate. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, arts such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging, noh drama, and ink painting flourished. Meanwhile, powerful regional warlords called daimyō gained control through their samurai armies, weakening the authority of the shogun.
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In 1192, Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan’s first powerful Shogun, turning the once-temporary military title of Sei-i Taishōgun into a hereditary position. From his government in Kamakura, he held both military and administrative control, while the emperor in Kyoto retained only ceremonial power. This marked the start of the Kamakura Shogunate and the 700-year era of shogun rule in Japan.
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The Genpei War (1180–1185) was a civil conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans that ended with the Taira’s defeat. Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan’s first Shogun in 1192, ruling from Kamakura and establishing the first military government, or bakufu. This marked the start of Japan’s feudal era, with true power centered in Kamakura.
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In 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto), beginning the Heian period when Japanese culture flourished and became more independent from China. As imperial control weakened, powerful nobles called daimyo and their samurai gained influence. Eventually, military leaders known as Shoguns took over, ruling Japan for about 700 years while the emperor remained only a figurehead.
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Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
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Established Japan’s first military government and began the shogunate system.
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Mongol forces tried to invade Japan but were defeated, partly due to “divine winds.”
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Ashikaga Takauji took power, marking a new shogunate after the fall of Kamakura rule.
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A civil war between powerful daimyō that plunged Japan into chaos for over 100 years.
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A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai’s focus on discipline and meditation.
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Christianity was introduced to Japan, leading to cultural exchange and later suppression.
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Powerful warlord who began Japan’s unification using advanced military tactics.
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Finished the unification process and implemented strict social rules.
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After Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death in 1598, Tokugawa Ieyasu rose to power and was appointed shogun, founding the Tokugawa Shogunate. This began the Edo period (1600–1868), a long era of peace, stability, and prosperity. During this time, Japan adopted a strict social hierarchy and isolated itself from most foreign influence.
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Began the Tokugawa Shogunate, a time of peace, order, and isolation.
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The samurai code of honor and loyalty guided behavior and social expectations.
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Japan closed itself off to foreign contact, banning Christianity and trade with most nations.
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Western nations forced Japan to open trade, leading to the fall of the shogunate.