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710
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. -
794
Under orders form 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 net 1000 years. -
1185
The minamoto clan seizes power from the emperor. Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes shogun and establishes his own capital city in Kamakura. With support from daimyo (Lords) and samurai (Warriors), a series of shoguns rules Japan for the next 700 years. -
The mongol army launches an attack on Japan, landing on the island of Kyushu. A typhoon destroys many of their ships and the mission fails.
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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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Emperor Go-Diago overthrows the Kamakura shogunate and takes back power from the shogun for a brief period.
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1336
Ashikaga Takauji seizes power from Emperor Go-Diago to become the new Shogun. -
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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