Kamakura Period in Japanese History
1185 to 1336


Just as the previous period was characterized by holding back from China, in this period the Japanese once again went full bore in their contact with China. This lasted up until the Mongol attacks began.

This was also the real beginning of the warrior class in Japan, as the first shogun - the Minamoto - set up shop in Kamakura. They developed an entire group of soldiers to guard them, and wrote up rules that banned them from dancing and poetry. The aim was to make them very separate from nobility. It turns out the soldiers were a good idea - a war broke out with Korea in 1274. The Koreans sent two different waves of ships - and each time a combination of Japanese resistance and rough seas held them back. This was the last time anyone thought of invading Japan up until 1945.

There were many things they brought in from the Chinese during this period. First, there was now matcha, or powdered, green tea. This became hugely popular with the Japanese. The Japanese planted tea trees, began holding extravagant tea gatherings. Oha Yoraia was a central figure in this movement.

Go-Daigo, an emperor during this period, loved the Chinese culture. He brought in as much Chinese trade as he could, and his son became a Buddhist priest. They sent out lacquerware, fans, screens, weapons and sulfur - and in return they received coins, silk brocades, porcelains, books and paintings.

Even the Japanese architecture began to change. A new style, called "Engakuji", began which involved thatched roofs, rather than the old tile style.

Go-Daigo also wanted to take control back from the shoguns, and fought with the existing military forces. The shogunate sent Ashikaga Takauji to fight off the Emperor - but Ashikaga promptly joined with the Emperor. When the Emperor won, then took over the empty Shogunate for himself.

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