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the first official capital of japan is based in the city of Nara; the imperial family - led by a series of emperors or empresses - rules over japan during this time.
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Under orders from Emperor Kammu, the capital of Japan moves to the city of Heian-Kyo (modern-day Kyoto). It remains the official capital of Japan for the next 1000 years.
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The mongol army launches a second attack on japan, landing once again on the island of Kyushu. For the second time a typhoon hits, destroying almost all Mongol ships, and the invasion fails.
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A period of civil war known as the warring states period, begins in japan between rival warlords. It lasts for around 100 years.
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William Adams, a sailor and navigator, becomes the first Englishman to visit Japan. He befriends Tokugawa leyasu (a future shogun) and later becomes a key advisor to him.
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Commodore Matthew Perry, a US naval officer, arrives in the city of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to persuade the Japanese to open their borders to trade.