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Yoritomo Minamoto
Historical Figures
Yoritomo Minamoto
Minamoto no Yoritomo
The shogun who unified Japan and established the Kamakura shogunate.
Born
1147
Died
1199
Nationality
Japanese
Profession
Warlord
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 10 key moments that shaped Yoritomo Minamoto's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1147
1147-05-23
Birth
Born in Heian-kyō
•Age 0•Heian-kyō, Japan
Yoritomo Minamoto was born to Minamoto no Yoshitomo and his wife, Tokiwa Gozen, in the imperial capital of Heian-kyō. His father was a powerful warrior and member of the Minamoto clan.
1159
Personal
Exiled to Izu Peninsula
•Age 12•Izu Peninsula, Japan
Following the Hōgen Rebellion, in which his father was killed, Yoritomo was exiled to the Izu Peninsula. This period of isolation would shape his character and strategic thinking.
1179
Personal
Marries Hōjō Masako
•Age 32•Izu Peninsula, Japan
Yoritomo married Hōjō Masako, the daughter of Hōjō Tokimasa, a powerful local lord. This marriage strengthened his political and military alliances in the region.
1180
Career
Rises in Revolt Against Taira Clan
•Age 33•Izu Peninsula, Japan
Yoritomo raised an army and began a campaign against the Taira clan, who had taken control of the imperial court. This marked the beginning of the Genpei War.
1183
Achievement
Captures Kyoto
•Age 36•Kyoto, Japan
Yoritomo's forces captured the capital, Kyoto, driving the Taira clan into retreat. This victory significantly weakened the Taira's power and influence.
1185
Achievement
Defeats Taira at Dan-no-ura
•Age 38•Dan-no-ura, Japan
Yoritomo's forces decisively defeated the Taira at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, marking the end of the Genpei War and solidifying his control over Japan.
1185
Milestone
Establishes Kamakura Shogunate
•Age 38•Kamakura, Japan
Yoritomo established the Kamakura Shogunate, the first military government in Japanese history, with himself as the shogun. This marked the beginning of the samurai era.
1190
Milestone
Receives Official Recognition from Emperor
•Age 43•Kyoto, Japan
The Emperor Go-Shirakawa officially recognized Yoritomo as the shogun, granting him the authority to rule over Japan and maintain order through military means.
1192
Career
Formally Invested as Shogun
•Age 45•Kamakura, Japan
Yoritomo was formally invested as the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, cementing his position as the supreme military leader of Japan.
1199
1199-02-13
Death
Dies in Kamakura
•Age 51•Kamakura, Japan
Yoritomo Minamoto died in Kamakura, leaving behind a legacy that would shape Japanese history for centuries. His shogunate laid the foundation for the samurai class and centralized military rule.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Yoritomo Minamoto a legendary figure.
1
Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate
2
Defeating the Taira clan
3
Establishing the samurai class
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Cultural & Historical Context
Japanese
Personality Traits
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