shogun Japan

  • Period: 794 to 1185

    The Heian Period

    In 794, Emperor Kanmu moved Japan’s capital to Heian-kyō, starting the Heian period. Japan developed its own culture, separating from Chinese influence. Power shifted from emperors to daimyo and samurai. The shogun became Japan’s true ruler, while the emperor remained a powerless figurehead. Shogun clans ruled Japan for centuries.
  • 1100

    Rise of the samurai class

    Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
  • Period: 1180 to 1185

    The Genpei War

    The Genpei War 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, who appointed himself as Shōgun in 1192
  • Period: 1183 to 1333

    the Kamakura period

    In 1192, Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan’s first powerful shogun. This marked the start of the Kamakura Shogunate and 700 years of shogun rule.
  • 1192

    Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes the first shogun

    Established Japan’s first military government (the Kamakura Shogunate), beginning the shogunate system.
  • 1200

    Introduction of Zen Buddhism

    A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai’s focus on discipline, simplicity, and meditation
  • Period: 1200 to 1300

    Bushido code becomes central to samurai life

    The samurai code of honour, loyalty, and self-discipline became central to samurai behaviour.
  • 1274

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

    Mongol forces attempted to invade Japan but were defeated, helped by typhoons called kamikaze (“divine winds”).
  • 1281

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

    Mongol forces attempted to invade Japan but were defeated, helped by typhoons called kamikaze (“divine winds”).
  • 1336

    Ashikaga Shogunate begins

    Ashikaga Takauji took power after overthrowing the Kamakura government, starting the Muromachi Shogunate.
  • 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.
  • 1467

    Onin War and the start of the Sengoku Period

    A civil war between powerful daimyō that plunged Japan into over a century of chaos and constant warfare.
  • 1549

    Arrival of Christian missionaries (Francis Xavier)

    Christianity was introduced to Japan, bringing cultural exchange but later government suppression.
  • Period: 1568 to 1582

    Oda Nobunaga unifies much of Japan

    Powerful warlord who began Japan’s unification using advanced weapons and strategy.
  • Period: 1573 to

    Azuchi-Momoyama Period

    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. The Azuchi Momoyama period was a time of flamboyance and luxury. During this time, the building of many substantial castles and mansions replaced the traditional temple architecture.
  • Toyotomi Hideyoshi completes Japan’s unification

    Continued Nobunaga’s efforts, uniting Japan under one rule and enforcing strict social divisions.
  • Period: to

    Tokugawa (Edo) 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 long period of peace, order, and isolation lasting over 250 years.
  • Sakoku – Japan’s isolation policy

    Japan closed itself off to almost all foreign contact, banning Christianity and limiting trade.
  • Period: to

    Opening of Japan (end of isolation)

    Western nations forced Japan to open trade through treaties, leading to the fall of the shogunate and modernization.