--- title: Medieval Japan author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Japan/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2025-11-27 --- # Medieval Japan _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ The medieval period of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) is considered by most historians to stretch from 1185 to 1603 CE. Stand out features of the period include the replacement of the aristocracy by the [samurai](https://www.worldhistory.org/Samurai/) class as the most powerful social group, the establishment of [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) military rulers and their regents, the decline in power of the emperors and [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) monasteries, and a stratification of feudal society into lords and vassals as well as a lasting class differentiation based on profession. The country witnessed long periods of civil wars as warlords and large estate owners (*daimyo*) fought for prominence and the central government struggled to unify Japan. On the other hand, there were developments in [agriculture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Agriculture/), commerce, and [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/). The arts flourished, especially ink painting and performance arts. Finally, Japan's presence on the international stage became more involved with the [Mongol Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) attacking Japan in the late 13th century CE and Japan invading [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/) in the late 16th century CE, both campaigns ending in failure. All in all, then, a busy period of development and one which saw the population of Japan rise from around 7 million at the beginning to around 25 million at the end of it. ### Medieval Time Periods The history of medieval Japan is traditionally divided into the following periods: - [Kamakura Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura_Period/) (1185-1333 CE) - [Muromachi Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Muromachi_Period/) (1333-1573 CE) - includes the [Sengoku Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sengoku_Period/) (1467-1568 CE) - [Azuchi-Momoyama Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Azuchi-Momoyama_Period/) (1573-1600 CE) Alternatively, the period may be divided into the following two shogunates: - [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/) Shogunate (1192-1333 CE) - Ashikaga Shogunate (1338-1573 CE) [ ![Timeline of Medieval Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/13770.png?v=1759009025-1664458009) Timeline of Medieval Japan Marion Wadowski (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13770/timeline-of-medieval-japan/ "Timeline of Medieval Japan")### Kamakura Period **Shogun: Minamoto no Yoritomo** The [Heian Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heian_Period/) (794-1185 CE) ends and the Kamakura Period (*Kamakura Jidai*) begins with Minamoto no Yoritomo's (1147-1199 CE) defeat of the rival Taira clan at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Dannoura in 1185 CE, the final act of the [Genpei War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Genpei_War/) (1180-1185 CE). The period is named after Kamakura, a coastal town southwest of Edo (Tokyo) which was the [Minamoto clan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minamoto_Clan/)'s base. Yoritomo established himself as the first shogun (military dictator) of Japan from 1192 CE, thus offering the first alternative to the power of the emperor and imperial court which had ruled Japan since before written records began. Technically, the emperor - then Go-Toba (r. 1183-1198 CE) - was above the shogun, but in practice, it was the reverse as whoever had control of the largest army also controlled the state. The position of [Emperor of Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Emperor_of_Japan/), still based at Heinakyo (Kyoto) did maintain a ceremonial function, and imperial endorsement was still sought by shoguns to give a veneer of legitimacy to their own rule. [ ![Minamoto no Yoritomo Painted Wall-hanging](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/6497.jpg?v=1772047926) Minamoto no Yoritomo Painted Wall-hanging Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6497/minamoto-no-yoritomo-painted-wall-hanging/ "Minamoto no Yoritomo Painted Wall-hanging")Yoritomo would be shogun until his [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) in 1199 CE and, after a brief spell as shogun by his eldest son, Yoritomo's wife, Hojo Masako (1157-1225 CE), and her father, Hojo Tokimasa, decided to rule themselves. In doing so they not only promoted the interests of the Hojo clan but also changed Japanese politics forever by creating the position of shogunal regent. In this new arrangement, the regent shogun had the real power, the shogun became a mere puppet and the Hojo dominated all key shogunal government (*bafu*) posts. The system of the shoguns would last until the [Meiji Restoration](https://www.worldhistory.org/Meiji_Restoration/) of 1868 CE. **Feudal Society** With the rise of the warlords, Japanese society was arranged around the feudal relationship between lord and vassal. The former gave lands to the latter in return for military service. In the case of a shogun or lord having many estates, he might give some of them to a steward (*jito*) - a position open to men and [women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/) - to manage and collect the local taxes with that official then entitled to fees and tenure. The role of steward was frequently given as a reward to loyal members of the shogunate. Many *jito* became powerful in their own right, and their descendants became *daimyo* or influential feudal landowners, while another layer of landowners was the military governors or constables (*shugo*) who had policing and administrative responsibilities in their particular province. This system would run right through the medieval period. #### Book Promotion [ ![The Forsaken 14th Century by World History Encyclopedia](https://www.worldhistory.io/template/files/text-replacements-images/WHE_14th_century.jpg?compress=true&width=280) ](https://amzn.to/4isZ4B5 "The Forsaken 14th Century")### The Forsaken 14th Century by World History Encyclopedia WHE's first book takes a truly global outlook and introduces readers to the different cultures that survived, thrived, and fell amid adversity in the 14th century. Filled with in-depth text written by WHE authors, many exclusive maps, and plenty of illustrations, The Forsaken 14th Century takes you on a global journey from the nomads of the Mongol Empire to the Black Death in Europe, the booming trade on the Swahili Coast to the Aztecs and the Māori settlements in New Zealand. [Learn More](https://amzn.to/4isZ4B5) .sponsor.book img.key_art { box-shadow: none !important; } .button_container { margin-top: 1em; } .sponsor.book h3 { text-transform: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; } .sponsor_message { margin-left: 190px; font-family: Karla, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 140%; min-height: 200px; } .sponsor.book { padding: 20px; margin: 25px 0px; background-color: #f3f3f3; } .sponsor.book .key_art { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: left; } .sponsor h4 { font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: #000; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; font-family: Karla,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0; } .sponsor_book_author { color: #999; margin: -10px 0px 20px; } @media (max-width: 1199px) { .sponsor.book .key_art { float: none; width: 100%; } .sponsor.book .sponsor_message { margin-left: 0px; } .sponsor.book h3 { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { } Women continued to be used as a tool for social progress in this period via the practice of marrying daughters into families of superior status. This occurred not just among elites but also in rural communities. Women were largely made responsible for the household and its servants if there were any, but there were also some women warriors and small business proprietors. Women could inherit property, had some divorce rights and freedom of movement, but these did vary over time and place. In addition, information regarding women's rights is often lacking in the male-dominated historical record and practical daily life was, in any case, very likely different from official and legal pronouncements on what women could and could not do. [ ![Major Temples and Shrines of Japan circa 1200 CE, Kamakura Shogunate](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/6470.png?v=1749683951) Major Temples and Shrines of Japan circa 1200 CE, Kamakura Shogunate Stone Chen (CC BY-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6470/major-temples-and-shrines-of-japan-circa-1200-ce-k/ "Major Temples and Shrines of Japan circa 1200 CE, Kamakura Shogunate")Economically, the country prospered as agricultural techniques improved (e.g. double-cropping, better iron tools, fertilizers and hardier strains of rice were all employed). Trades became more specialised and were governed by guilds, while trade with [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/) boomed with Japanese [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/), swords, and timber exchanged for [silk](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silk/), porcelain, and [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/) [coinage](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/) amongst other things. In the 15th century CE, Korea would also trade with Japan, exporting cotton and ginseng, in particular. Villages began to grow in size as the road networks improved and small businesses and markets made them more attractive and convenient places to live. **[Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) Invasions & Decline** The success of the Kamakura regime is perhaps best indicated by its ability to withstand its greatest challenge: the Mongol invasions. The Mongol leader [Kublai Khan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kublai_Khan/) (r. 1260-1294 CE) was keen to expand his [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) and attacked Japan in 1274 and 1281 CE. Both campaigns ultimately failed thanks to stiff samurai resistance, poor logistics and poorly built ships on the part of the [Mongols](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/), and two typhoons. These providential storms were called by the Japanese *kamikaze* or 'divine winds' because they destroyed the Mongol fleets and saved the country. The Kamakura government was ultimately weakened by the invasions because of the high cost of keeping a standing army in anticipation of a third attack. The shogunate came to an end when unpaid samurai and ambitious warlords were rallied by Emperor Go-Daigo (r. 1318-1339 CE) who wanted to restore imperial power. This was the so-called Kenmu Restoration, which lasted from 1333 to 1336 CE. Go-Daigo found a willing ally in the traitorous army commander Ashikaga Takauji who attacked [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) while another rebel warlord, Nitta Yoshisada (l. 1301-1337 CE), attacked Kamakura. Takauji wanted to be the new shogun, and he defeated Yoshisada in battle, capturing Heiankyo in 1336 CE. Go-Daigo was exiled, although he then established his own rival court at Yoshino, a situation of 'Dual Courts' which was not resolved until 1392 CE. Takauji appointed Komyo as his puppet emperor (r. 1336-1348 CE), who formally bestowed on his master the coveted title of shogun. Thus, the Ashikaga Shogunate was launched in 1338 CE. [ ![Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6672.jpg?v=1633790702) Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji James Blake Wiener (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6672/golden-pavilion-kinkaku-ji/ "Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji")### Muromachi Period **Government & *Daimyo*** This period gets its name from the relocation of the capital to the Muromachi district of Heiankyo. Unlike the relative stability of the preceding period, Japan was now beset with a seemingly endless cycle of civil wars and competition for power between rival warlords, beginning with Ashikaga Takauji fighting his own brother between 1350 and 1352 CE. The system of government of the Ashikaga Shogunate followed much the same lines as the Kamakura Shogunate and did manage to control most of central Japan. The outer provinces were another matter, though, and these became ripe for the *daimyo* to rule their area as they wished, making it difficult for the government to extract taxes from them. Some *daimyo* were efficient and fair administrators, and villages continued to prosper and grow across Japan as farmers sought both security in numbers and the benefits of working together on communal projects such as digging irrigation channels. In the absence of any authority from the central government, villages often governed themselves. Small councils or *so* were formed which made decisions regarding laws and punishments, organised community festivals, and decided on regulations within the community. Some villages got together to form leagues or *ikki* for their mutual benefit. **The Onin [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) & Sengoku Period** Within the Muromachi period was a subperiod of about 100 years, most of it fighting, hence its name of the Warring States or Sengoku period. Things kicked off with the Onin War (1467-1477 CE), a civil war between rival warlords and samurai, which brought hardship, robbery, and brutality to the doorstep of many ordinary people. Japan seemed at war with itself and its rulers bent on destruction. The conflict ended in 1477 CE, but there were only losers and no resolution to the militarism and rivalries that beset the country far into the second half of the 16th century CE. One consequence of the strife was the development of castles and castle towns (*jokomachi*) as villagers sought the protection of a well-fortified base. **Samurai** As the number of warlords was reduced thanks to the attrition of the wars and those who survived became more powerful, so field armies increased in size. The composition of such armies became more complex, too, not only with samurai but also specialised troops like the lightly armoured infantry or *ashigaru*. There were cavalry units, too, the ninjas - specialist spies, assassins and saboteurs - and men dedicated solely to procuring and transporting supplies and equipment. [ ![Samurai Onikojima Yataro Kazutada](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/10982.jpg?v=1772569512) Samurai Onikojima Yataro Kazutada Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10982/samurai-onikojima-yataro-kazutada/ "Samurai Onikojima Yataro Kazutada")Despite these developments, the samurai (or *bushi* as they were also known) remained the most important, and certainly most prestigious warrior on and off the medieval battlefield. Their name denotes a social class rather than military occupation, but those who were fighting warriors were typically trained since childhood to ride, swim, and become proficient at the martial arts. Samurai could handle all weapons but were especially proficient at using the bow and sword, and their appearance was distinctive thanks to their shaved front heads and armour made of intricately stitched leather and [metal](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/metal/). Making up around 5% of the overall population, samurai developed a code of honour, the *bushido*, which promoted loyalty, courage, and self-discipline. Samurai were expected to defend their lord's interests and honour, and they even sometimes committed ritual suicide (*seppuku*) if they failed in this endeavour. **Decline & [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/)** The end of the Muromachi period came when one warlord finally dominated all his rivals: Oda Nobunaga (l. 1534-1582 CE). Expanding his territory through the 1550/60s CE from his base at Nagoya Castle, largely thanks to his disciplined army of samurai and innovative use of gunpowder, Nobunaga seized Heiankyo in 1568 CE and then exiled the last Ashikaga shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, in 1573 CE. By the end of that decade, Japan was finally becoming a single unified country. ### The Azuchi-Momoyama Period Oda Nobunaga would rule until his death in 1582 CE. The unification of the country then continued under his successors, the warlords [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) (1537-1598 CE) and [Tokugawa Ieyasu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tokugawa_Ieyasu/) (1543-1616 CE). This period of history is known as the Azuchi-Momoyama Period - Azuchi being the castle on Lake Biwa that Nobunaga used as his HQ and Momoyama ('Peach Mountain') being the castle HQ of Nobunaga's former general Toyotomi Hideyoshi, located in Fushimi, south of Heiankyo. To increase state revenue, from 1571 CE an extensive land survey was begun to make the tax system more efficient. At the same time, a strategy employed to make the country more [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/)-abiding was to confiscate all weapons held by the peasantry from 1576 CE onwards, the so-called 'sword hunts.' To bring the Buddhist monasteries into line with government policy - they had become rich, powerful, and capable of fielding armies - Nobunaga attacked several, most infamously the [Enryakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Enryakuji/) monastic complex on the sacred Mt. Hiei near Kyoto in 1571 CE. **Toyotomi Hideyoshi** Hideyoshi continued Nobunaga's work of unifying Japan, helped by his massive army of 200,000 men and canny diplomatic skills which convinced *daimyo* to join him. Western Japan, Kyushu, and Shikoku were now brought under the central government's control. Hideyoshi then developed a rigid class system what would become the *shi-no-ko-sho* system, with four different levels (in order of importance): - warrior (*shi*) - farmer (*no*) - artisan (*ko*), - merchant (*sho*) Each class was given an importance based on its production value, and no movement between the levels was permitted. It would remain the basis of Japanese society into the modern era. [ ![Toyotomi Hideyoshi on Horseback](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/10867.jpg?v=1701494889) Toyotomi Hideyoshi on Horseback Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10867/toyotomi-hideyoshi-on-horseback/ "Toyotomi Hideyoshi on Horseback")Hideyoshi was not satisfied with just Japan in his grip and wanted to build an empire. To that end, between 1592 and 1598 CE, he invaded Korea with an aim to then move on to [Ming Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ming_Dynasty/) China (1368-1644 CE). The invasions, also known as the Imjin Wars, ensured the medieval period finished with a bang, but they were failures as the Koreans put up a stiff resistance, especially their navy led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and the Ming sent a large army to defend its tribute-giving neighbour. The Japanese army had made impressive inroads and even captured Seoul and [Pyongyang](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pyongyang/) at one point, but the death of Hideyoshi in 1598 CE signalled a retreat back to Japan. A power struggle then followed, and after his victory at the Battle of Skeigahara (1600 CE), Tokugawa Ieyasu took the title of shogun in 1603 CE. Thus the Tokugawa Shogunate was established and the post-medieval [Edo period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Edo_Period/) (1603-1868 CE) begun. ### [Religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) Japan continued to mix [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) and [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) with traditional beliefs throughout the medieval period. New forms of Zen Buddhism were introduced from China: the Jodo Sect (Pure Land), founded c. 1175 CE by the priest Honen (1133-1212 CE), and the Jodo Shin Sect (True Pure Land), founded in 1224 CE by Shinran (1173-1263 CE), Honen's pupil. Both sects simplified the religion and stressed that enlightenment and advancement to heaven were open to all regardless of social status. The most important Zen monastery was the Kencho-ji in Kamakura, built in 1253 CE. Zen principles of austerity and restraint became very popular with samurai. Another popular Buddhist sect was Nicheren, founded by the monk of the same name (1222-1282 CE), which stressed the importance of chanting from the *Lotus [Sutra](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sutra/)* holy text. Buddhist monasteries were important providers of education to all classes and many hosted schools of artists of all kinds. In 1543 CE the first European contact was made with Japan when three Portuguese traders were shipwrecked. With the Europeans, and those who followed, came two new ideas: quality firearms and [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/). The new religion was encouraged by Oda Nobunaga because it challenged the power of the Buddhist monasteries and helped with foreign trade, but Christians were persecuted by his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi, most infamously in the episode of 1597 CE when 26 Christians were crucified in Nagasaki. Christian missionaries were another significant provider of education, setting up general schools wherever they settled. ### Art & [Architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) Japan was wholly dominated by its warriors in the medieval period, and this situation was reflected in its austere domestic architecture and interior decor, its art, and [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/). The period would produce much martial-themed *renga* poetry, histories, and war tales (*gunki monogatari*), the most famous work being *The Tale of the Heike* (*Heike monogatari*) which first appeared c. 1218 CE and tells of the struggle to establish the Kamakura Shogunate. Two converted villas in Heiankyo once owned by warlords are the [Kinkakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kinkakuji/) or '[Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of the Golden Pavilion' (1397 CE) - so-called because of its shimmering gilded exterior - which was followed by its twin, the [Ginkakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ginkakuji/) or 'The Serene Temple of the [Silver](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silver/) Pavilion', completed in 1483 CE. A third is [Ryoanji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ryoanji/) (1473 CE) in Kyoto, now the most-visited Zen rock garden in Japan. [ ![Landscape by Sesshu](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/10954.jpg?v=1604556905) Landscape by Sesshu Sesshu (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10954/landscape-by-sesshu/ "Landscape by Sesshu")The minimalism of Zen Buddhism would have a significant influence on calligraphy and ink painting, epitomized by the work of the Zen priest Sesshu (real name Toyo, 1420-1506 CE) who specialised in *suiboku -* black ink and water on white paper scrolls, in a style that has been described as an austere form of [impressionism](https://www.worldhistory.org/Impressionism/). Medieval portraiture of such figures as emperors and shoguns, in contrast, became more realistic in the medieval period. Large-scale [sculpture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Sculpture/) is perhaps best seen in the 1252 CE Kotokuin Temple of Kamakura, which has a massive [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/) statue of Amida [Buddha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Siddhartha_Gautama/) measuring 11.3 metres (or 37 ft) in height. By the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the decline of the Buddhist temples, Japanese art and architectural decoration focussed much more on secular subjects, especially birds, flowers, and people doing everyday tasks, and there was much greater use of bold colours in paintings, gilding on buildings, and decorative objects like screens and boxes. Performance art was one of the lasting products of the medieval period. Noh (Nō) [theatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/theatre/) developed from the 14th century CE and derived from older dance and [music](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Music/) rituals performed at temples and shrines. In Noh, mask-wearing male actors made highly stylised movements accompanied by music with some brief spoken words to explain the general story which told of gods, demons, and heroes, and their various moral predicaments. The extravagant and richly embroidered costumes of the actors would greatly influence late medieval and early modern fashion in Japan. Another development was the [Japanese Tea Ceremony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Japanese_Tea_Ceremony/) (*chanoyu*), which gained a much wider appeal thanks to the combined efforts of the monk Murato Shuko (1422-1502 CE) and the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (r. 1449-1473 CE). This restrained and precise ceremony took place in special rustic teahouses or a sparsely furnished tearoom and was an opportunity for relaxed conversation and to show off a few choice antiques. In this and other pursuits, the medieval period has thus made a lasting contribution to Japanese and, indeed, world [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/). This content was made possible with generous support from the [Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation](http://www.gbsf.org.uk/?utm_source=ancient.eu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=ancient.eu). #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Beasley, W.G. *The Japanese Experience.* University of California Press, 2000.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0520225600/) - [Bryant, A.J. *Samurai 1550-1600.* Osprey Publishing, 1994.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1855323451/) - [Bryant, A.J. *The Samurai.* Osprey Publishing, 1989.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0850458978/) - [Deal, W.E. *Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan.* Oxford University Press, 2007.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0195331265/) - [Dougill, J. *Japan's World Heritage Sites.* Tuttle Publishing, 2014.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/4805312858/) - [Ebrey, P.B. *Pre-Modern East Asia.* Cengage Learning, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1133606512/) - [Henshall, K. *Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945.* Scarecrow Press, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0810878712/) - [Huffman, J.L. *Japan in World History.* Oxford University Press, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0195368088/) - [Mason, R.H.P. *A History of Japan.* Tuttle Publishing, 1997.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/080482097X/) - [Sansom, G. *A History of Japan to 1334.* Stanford University Press, 1958.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0804705232/) - [Tsuda, N. *A History of Japanese Art.* Tuttle Publishing, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/4805310316/) - [Turnbull, S. *Japanese Castles AD 250-1540.* Osprey Publishing, 2008.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1846032539/) - [Turnbull, S. *Japanese Castles in Korea 1592-98.* Osprey Publishing, 2007.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1846031044/) - [Turnbull, S. *Samurai Armies 1550-1615.* Osprey Publishing, 1979.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/085045302X/) - [Turnbull, S. *The Mongol Invasions of Japan, 1274 and 1281.* Osprey Publishing, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1846034566/) - [Yamamura, K. (ed). *The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 3.* Cambridge University Press, 2001.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0521223547/) ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Timeline - **1147 CE - 1199 CE**: Life of Minamoto no Yoritomo, clan leader of the Minamoto and first [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1168 CE**: Taira no Kiyomori significantly remodels the [Itsukushima Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/Itsukushima_Shrine/). - **1180 CE - 1185 CE**: The [Genpei War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Genpei_War/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) between the Taira and Minamoto clans. - **1183 CE - 1198 CE**: Reign of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s Emperor Go-Toba. - **1185 CE**: [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Dannoura where the Minamoto defeat the rival Taira. The young emperor Antoku drowns. - **1185 CE - 1333 CE**: The [Kamakura period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura_Period/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1192 CE - 1199 CE**: Minamoto no Yoritomo is [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1192 CE - 1333 CE**: The [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/) Shogunate rules [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1195 CE**: The [Todaiji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Todaiji/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) at [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), is restored by the [Minamoto clan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minamoto_Clan/). - **1202 CE - 1203 CE**: Minamoto no Yorie is [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1203 CE - 1205 CE**: Hojo Tokimasa acts as regent to [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/), the first of 16 such regents - **1203 CE - 1219 CE**: Minamoto no Sanetomo is [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **c. 1218 CE**: The Tale of the Heike (Heike monogatari) is first published in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1219 CE**: Hojo Masako and Hojo Tokimasa take over as regents for the Japanese [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/), thus permanently transferring power from the Minamoto to Hojo clans. - **1221 CE**: The Jokyu Disturbance - [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s emperor Go-Toba launches a failed coup against the [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/) Shogunate. - **1225 CE**: The position of vice-regent to the [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) (rensho) is created in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1232 CE**: A new [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) code, the Joei Code (Joei shikimoku), is established in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1246 CE - 1259 CE**: Reign of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s Emperor Go-Fukakusa. - **1249 CE**: A High Court, the Hikitsukeshu, is formed in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1249 CE - 1253 CE**: The Kenchoji Zen [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) monastery is built in [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1254 CE**: The large gilded wood statue of Kannon is sculpted at [Sanjusangendo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sanjusangendo/), [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1259 CE - 1274 CE**: Reign of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s Emperor Kameyama. - **1274 CE**: The first invasion of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) by the [Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) ruler [Kublai Khan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kublai_Khan/) fails. - **1281 CE**: The second invasion of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) by the [Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) ruler/[Yuan dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yuan_Dynasty/) emperor [Kublai Khan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kublai_Khan/) fails. - **1283 CE**: The Engakuji Zen [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) monastery is established at [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) by Hojo Tokimune. - **1318 CE - 1339 CE**: Go-Daigo reigns as [emperor of Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Emperor_of_Japan/). - **1327 CE - 1333 CE**: Hojo Moritoki reigns as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), the last of the [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/) Shogunate. - **c. 1333 CE**: Nitta Yoshisada attacks and destroys [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/), capital of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s Kamakura Shogunate. - **1333 CE**: The position of deputy [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) (kanrei) is created in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1333 CE - 1336 CE**: The Kenmu Restoration when the Japanese emperor Go-Daigo uses rebel warlords to oust the [Kamakura](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kamakura/) Shogunate. - **1333 CE - 1573 CE**: The [Muromachi period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Muromachi_Period/) of [medieval Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Japan/). - **1336 CE**: Ashikaga Takauji captures [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto). - **1337 CE - 1392 CE**: [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) has two competing emperors: the 'Northern and Southern Courts. - **1338 CE**: Ashikaga Takauji becomes the new [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), it is the beginning of the Ashikaga (Muromachi) Shogunate. - **1338 CE - 1358 CE**: Ashikaga Takauji rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1338 CE - 1573 CE**: The Ashikaga (Muromachi) Shogunate rules [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1359 CE - 1368 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshiakira rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1395 CE - 1423 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshimochi rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1397 CE**: The [Kinkakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kinkakuji/) or 'Golden Pavilion' is built in [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto) by the [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. - **1401 CE**: [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) joins the tribute system of [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/)'s [Ming Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ming_Dynasty/). - **1407 CE**: The five-story [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) pagoda is added to the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) [Itsukushima Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/Itsukushima_Shrine/). - **1420 CE - 1506 CE**: Life of the celebrated Zen priest and artist Sesshu (real name Toyo) - **1429 CE - 1441 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshinori rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1449 CE - 1474 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshimasa rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1460 CE - 1483 CE**: [Ginkakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ginkakuji/) [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) ([Silver](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silver/) Pavilion) is built in [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kytoto) [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) by Ashikaga Yoshimasa. - **1467 CE - 1477 CE**: The Onin [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) between rival warlords rages in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1467 CE - 1568 CE**: The [Sengoku Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sengoku_Period/) or [Warring States Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Warring_States_Period/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1473 CE**: [Ryoanji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ryoanji/) in [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto) becomes a Zen [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/). - **1474 CE - 1489 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshihisa rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1494 CE - 1508 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshizumi rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1508 CE - 1521 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshitane rules in his second spell as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1521 CE - 1546 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshiharu rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1543 CE**: The first European contact is made with [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) when three Portuguese traders have their ship blown onto the shores of southern Kyushu. - **1546 CE - 1565 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshiteru rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1549 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) adds a specialist corps of 500 musketeers to his army. - **1560 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) defeats the warlord of Mikawa, Imagawa Yoshimoto, at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Okehazama. - **1568 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshihide rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1568 CE - 1582 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) seizes [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto) and is the dominant military leader in central [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1568 CE - 1588 CE**: Ashikaga Yoshiaki rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) (but is exiled by [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) from 1573 CE). - **1568 CE - 1600 CE**: The [Azuchi-Momoyama Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Azuchi-Momoyama_Period/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1571 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) attacks the [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [Enryakuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Enryakuji/) monastic complex near Kyoto. - **1573 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) exiles the last Ashikaga [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/), Yoshiaki. - **1575 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) wins the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Nagashino. - **1576 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) instigates a 'sword hunt' to confiscate all weapons from the Japanese peasantry. - **1579 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) establishes a new headquarters at Azuchi castle. - **1582 CE - 1598 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) is the military leader of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1582 CE - 1598 CE**: [Oda Nobunaga](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oda_Nobunaga/) and his successor [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) conduct an extensive land ownership survey across [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1586 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) builds the huge Osaka castle. - **1588 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) prohibits commoners from carrying weapons, including swords. - **1588 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) rules that only full-rank [samurai](https://www.worldhistory.org/Samurai/) may carry two swords. - **1591 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) builds the massive Odoi ("Great rampart") fortification [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/) around [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto). - **1591 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) redefines the class system of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1591 CE**: [Samurai](https://www.worldhistory.org/Samurai/) are no longer permitted to farm their own land making them dependent on their lords for income. - **1592 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) sends an army to invade [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/). It is not successful. - **1594 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) builds the Fushimi Castle outside [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto). - **1597 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) passes his second edict to remove Christian missionaries from [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) and executes 26 Christians in Nagasaki. - **1597 CE**: [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/) sends a second army to invade [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/). It is not successful. - **18 Sep 1598 CE**: [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/), the military leader of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1600 CE**: [Tokugawa Ieyasu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tokugawa_Ieyasu/) wins the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Sekigahara against those generals who supported [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Toyotomi_Hideyoshi/)'s son. End of the [Azuchi-Momoyama Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Azuchi-Momoyama_Period/). - **1603 CE - 1605 CE**: [Tokugawa Ieyasu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tokugawa_Ieyasu/) rules as [shogun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shogun/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1603 CE - 1868 CE**: [Edo period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Edo_Period/). The Tokugawa Shogunate rules [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). ## External Links - [Inside Seppuku, The Ancient Samurai Ritual Suicide Tradition](https://allthatsinteresting.com/seppuku) - [List of Rulers of Japan | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jaru/hd_jaru.htm) - [Samurai | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/samu/hd_samu.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2019, July 19). Medieval Japan. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval\_Japan/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Japan/) ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Medieval Japan." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 19, 2019. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval\_Japan/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Japan/). ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Medieval Japan." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Jul 2019, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval\_Japan/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval_Japan/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 19 July 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.