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๐ŸŽŽhistory of japan review

Kamakura

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Kamakura refers to the period in Japanese history from 1185 to 1333, marked by the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, the first military government in Japan. This era signified a shift from imperial rule to military dominance, where the shogunate exercised power on behalf of the emperor, leading to significant changes in Japanese society, politics, and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Kamakura shogunate was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo after his victory in the Genpei War against the Taira clan.
  2. This era marked the rise of the samurai class as a dominant force in Japanese society and politics.
  3. The shogunate established a new form of governance that balanced power between the military and the imperial court.
  4. The period saw the development of new cultural practices, including the emergence of Zen Buddhism, which influenced art and philosophy.
  5. The Kamakura period ended when the Ashikaga clan overthrew the Kamakura shogunate during a time of internal strife and civil war.

Review Questions

  • How did the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate change the political landscape of Japan?
    • The establishment of the Kamakura shogunate marked a significant shift in Japan's political landscape from imperial rule to military governance. With Minamoto no Yoritomo at the helm, power was decentralized as local warlords gained authority and influence. This transition led to a new political structure where the emperor retained a symbolic position while real power lay with the shogun and samurai class.
  • What role did the Minamoto clan play in establishing the Kamakura shogunate, and how did their actions impact Japanese society?
    • The Minamoto clan was pivotal in establishing the Kamakura shogunate after their victory over the Taira clan in the Genpei War. Under Minamoto no Yoritomoโ€™s leadership, they set up a military government that centralized power in Kamakura while maintaining nominal ties to the imperial court. Their rise initiated a social transformation where samurai became key figures in governance, reshaping societal values around martial prowess and loyalty.
  • Evaluate the cultural changes that occurred during the Kamakura period and their significance for later Japanese history.
    • During the Kamakura period, cultural changes were marked by the introduction and spread of Zen Buddhism, which emphasized meditation and simplicity. This influence permeated various aspects of Japanese life, including art, architecture, and tea ceremonies. These cultural shifts laid foundational elements for later developments in Japanese aesthetics and philosophies, ultimately contributing to Japan's unique cultural identity in subsequent centuries.