The Kamakura Era

Birth of the Shogunate: Kamakura

With the fall of the Aristocracies during the Heian period, the first establishment of a Shogunate system was created. The Kamakura Era of Japan “takes its name from the garrison town of Kamakura on Sagami Bay in central Honshu, not far from modern Tokyo.” (Colcutt). The Kamakura Era lasted from 1192 until 1333 C.E. and began what is referred to as Japan’s 700 year medieval period. This era defined the foundation of the hierarchical Shogunate system and the role of the legendary samurai warriors. Founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the Samurai were part of the warrior government system known as Bakufu. This historically famous system was established after the Genpei War. “The war between [the] Minamoto... and Taira

Buddhism for the first time was practiced by the masses and China was no longer an idol that they followed. The change from an aristocratic government to the Feudal Bakufu militarism was one of the main causes for transforming the culture of the Heian period. During the Heian period, “only the elite class could enjoy the grandeur of Buddhist art and ceremony” (A Brief History of Buddhism in Japan.). During the Kamakura rule, Buddhism had become widespread and everyone, no matter their rank could practice Buddhism. Another change has to do with the hierarchy system itself. During the Heian period there were many more levels to their ranking system and were very specific and many were completely exclusive to the upper class. Many of these specificities “applied to one less than one tenth of one percent of the total population” (Green). John Green describes this system as “rigidly hierarchical”. To create such specificities for such a small portion of the population is superfluous. However during the Kamakura era, the rank system became much simpler. Instead of the elite and rich ruling japan, Daimyo and their samurai ruled the regions. Honor was still important as well as their customs, at least that much stayed consistent. New artwork emerged. Much of the new artwork was inspired by the spread of Buddhism and the Bushido. Bushido simple means “The Way of the

The Mongols were known for forcibly conquering and taking everything and they had a pretty good record of doing just that. Japan would not be conquered so easily though. The first of two attempts to invade Japan would take place in 1274 (Bowdoin). In 1266, Kublai Khan sent a letter that demanded Japan surrender to them. Japan brushed of this attempt at intimidation and refused (LIT esperan). Eight years later, The Mongols invaded with approximately 900 ships and 30,000 soldiers. “Firstly, [the] Tsushima and Iki Island were severely ravaged en route” (LIT esperan). They did not do it alone however, the Mongols already had the Chinese and Koreans under their control. The Mongols used them to create ships and lend soldiers to make this possible. (Lit esperan). The Mongols reached Hakata bay, but did not make it very far inland before they were forced to retreat. Before leaving though, perhaps in a rage of frustration, they did burn down multiple shrines (Bowdoin). Before the second invasion, Japan prepared itself in case they would ever return. Strangely, Japan, unintentionally, mimicked China again. They built a wall to protect against another Mongol invasion. Ironically though, this wall worked. In 1281, the Mongols invaded from two directions. A fleet from Korea attack the Islands of Tsushima and Iki again and eventually landed once again in Hakata Bay. The wall put them at