-
The Heian period (794–1185 CE) began when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Kyoto. Japan grew apart from China, and its own art and writing developed. The emperor’s power weakened, and nobles called daimyo gained control, protected by samurai. Military leaders called shoguns became more powerful than the emperor, who stayed as a respected figurehead while shoguns ruled Japan for 700 years
-
The Genpei War (1180–1185) was a civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The Minamoto won, and Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan’s first shogun in 1192. He ruled from Kamakura, creating the first bakufu (military government). This began Japan’s feudal era, where real power shifted from the emperor in Kyoto to the shogun in Kamakura.
-
In 1192, Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan became Japan’s first Sei-i Taishogun (Commander-in-chief). Once a temporary title, he made it hereditary, passing it to his sons. Though earlier shoguns existed, none had his power. The emperor stayed in Kyoto with little real control, while Yoritomo ruled from Kamakura through his bakufu (military government). This began the Kamakura Shogunate, lasting about 700 years.
-
The Muromachi period (1336–1573) was ruled by the Muromachi shogunate. It was a time of political unrest but also major cultural growth influenced by Zen Buddhism. Arts like the tea ceremony, flower arranging, noh drama, and ink painting flourished. During this era, daimyo (regional warlords) gained power by controlling the samurai, which weakened the shogun’s authority.
-
The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1574–1600) was when Japan became unified under the daimyo Oda Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. They brought all provinces under one central government. This era was known for its luxury and grand style, with large castles and mansions replacing older temple designs. The period is named after two famous castles: Azuchi, built by Nobunaga, and Momoyama, built by Hideyoshi.
-
After Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598, Tokugawa Leyasu rose to power. The emperor appointed him as shogun (military ruler), making him the first leader of the Tokugawa Shogunate — a government that ruled Japan for over 250 years, bringing peace and stability after years of war.
-
After Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in 1598, Tokugawa Ieyasu rose to power and was made shogun by the emperor. He founded the Tokugawa Shogunate, beginning the Edo period (1600–1868). This was a long era of peace and prosperity. During this time, Japan had a strict class system and became mostly isolated from the rest of the world.