Shogun Japan Timeline

By KatrinaH11
  • 600

    Introduction of Zen Buddhism

    A new branch of Buddhism that influenced the samurai’s focus on discipline and meditation.
  • 1185

    Rise of the Samurai Class

    Samurai became the dominant warrior class, holding power and social prestige.
  • 1192

    Minamoto no Yoritomo becomes the first shogun

    Established Japan’s first military government and began the shogunate system.
  • 1274

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

    Mongol forces tried to invade Japan but were defeated, partly due to “divine winds.”
  • 1281

    The Mongol Invasions of Japan

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

    Ashikaga Shogunate begins

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

    Onin War and the start of the Sengoku Period

    A civil war between powerful daimyo 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.
  • Period: 1568 to 1582

    Oda Nobunaga unifies 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.

  • Bushido code becomes central to samurai life

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