Shogun Japan

By ruby.1
  • Period: 793 to 1185

    Rise of the Samurai Class

    Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
  • Period: 794 to 1185

    The Heian Period

    In 794 the Emperor Kammu moved the imperial capital from Nara to Heian-kyo, now known as Kyoto. This signified the beginning of the Heian period (794–1185CE). During this time, many of the foundations of Japan’s development were laid.
    Emperor Kammu bestowed the title of seii taishogun on the commander
  • Period: 1178 to 1184

    The Genpai War to 1180 - 1185

    The Genpei War, 1180 - 1185, was a national civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late-Heian period of Japan. It resulted in the downfall of the Taira and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo.
  • Period: 1185 to 1334

    The Kamakura Period

    In 1192, Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), a member of the powerful Minamoto clan, was awarded the highest military rank in Japan, Sei-i Taishōgun.
  • 1192

    Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes the first shogun

    Established Japan’s first military government and began the shogunate system.
  • 1200

    Introduction of Zen Buddhism

    A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai’s focus on discipline and meditation.
  • 1274

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

    Mongol forces tried to invade Japan but were defeated, partly due to “divine winds.”
  • Period: 1336 to 1573

    Muromachi Period

    The Muromachi period of feudal Japan lasted from around 1336 AD to 1573 AD, and was under the rule of the Muromachi shogunate. This period in Japan’s history was marked by a great deal of political unrest, but was also a time of significant cultural growth, particularly under the influence of Zen Buddhism.
  • 1338

    Ashikaga Shogunate begins

    Ashikaga Takauji took power, marking a new shogunate after the fall of Kamakura rule.
  • Period: 1467 to 1462

    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.
  • 1560

    Oda Nobunaga unifies much of Japan

    Powerful warlord who began Japan’s unification using advanced military tactics.
  • Period: 1568 to

    The Azuchi-Momoyama Period

    The Azuchi Momoyama period of feudal Japan lasted from around 1574 AD to 1600 AD, and it was a time when society became unified under the daimyō Oda Nobunaga. It was Nobunaga, along with his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that was responsible for unifying all provinces in Japan under the control of the central government.

  • Toyotomi Hideyoshi completes Japan’s unification

    Finished the unification process and implemented strict social rules.
  • Period: to

    Tokugawa Period

    Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598 AD and a man named, Tokugawa Ieyasu, came to power. Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed as the shogun by the emperor and became the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan.

  • Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun (start of Edo period)

    Began the Tokugawa Shogunate, a time of peace, order, and isolation.

  • Bushido code becomes central to samurai life

    The samurai code of honour and loyalty guided behaviour and social expectations.
  • 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.