Ancient Japanese

By Harvey1234
  • 520

    Introduction of Zen Buddhism

    A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai’s focus on discipline and meditation.
  • Period: 794 to 1183

    Rise of the Samurai Class

    Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
  • Period: 1182 to 1333

    Bushido code becomes central to samurai life

    The samurai code of honor and loyalty guided behavior and social expectations.
  • 1192

    The Kamakura Period

    During this period, Japan was invaded by the Mongols. This war lasted for 7 years from 1274-1281
  • 1192

    Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes the first shogun

    Established Japan’s first military government and began the shogunate system.
  • Period: 1274 to 1281

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

    Mongol forces tried to invade Japan but were defeated, partly due to “divine winds.”
  • 1338

    Ashikaga Shogunate begins

    Ashikaga Takauji took power, marking a new shogunate after the fall of Kamakura rule.
  • Period: 1465 to 1478

    Onin War and the start of the Sengoku Period

    A civil war between powerful daimyō that plunged Japan into chaos for over 100 years.
  • 1549

    Arrival of Christian missionaries (Francis Xavier)

    Christianity was introduced to Japan, leading to cultural exchange and later suppression.
  • 1582

    Oda Nobunaga unified much of Japan

    Powerful warlord who began Japan’s unification using advanced military tactics.

  • Toyotomi Hideyoshi completes Japan’s unification

    Finished the unification process and implemented strict social rules.

  • Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun (start of Edo period)

    Began the Tokugawa Shogunate, a time of peace, order, and isolation.
  • Period: to

    Sakoku – Japan’s isolation policy

    Japan closed itself off to foreign contact, banning Christianity and trade with most nations.

  • Opening of Japan (end of isolation)

    Western nations forced Japan to open trade, leading to the fall of the shogunate.