Status Updates From A History of Japan to 1334

Began Chapter XXI: Japan After the Mongol Invasions.

Finished Chapter XX.

Began Chapter XX: Relations with the Asiatic Mainland.

Finished Chapter XIX.

Continued Chapter XIX.

Began Chapter XIX: The Hōjō Regents, 1242–84.

Finished Chapter XVIII.

Section 3 explains the set of laws introduced by Yasutoki known as the Jōei Formulary. It stresses the importance of an impartial nature in rulings. It is mostly concerned with the activities of vassals, although it is lenient to non-vassals as well.

Finished Chapter XVII and started Chapter XVIII: Administrative Reforms and Relations with the Court.

Section 3 (of chapter 17) describes the height of feudal power after the desposation of Go-Toba. The Bakufu continued the Insei/Cloistered Government system, and took control of selecting the next cloistered emperor. Additionally, they made it so that they had to be consulted with upon the appointment of a Regent.

Read section 2 of chapter XVII, which goes over the relationship between the Imperial Court and the Bakufu at Kamakura. Emperor Go-Toba made many attempts to limit their power. In the end, his forces were overwhelmed by the Kamakura warriors, and they only gained more power in the process. Land and manors of chief conspirators were taken by the Bakufu and given as rewards to vassals, further ensuring their loyalty.

Began Chapter XVII: The Hōjō Regents.

Finished Chapter XVI

Section 4 concerns the moral code which the feudal warriors followed. It makes a distinction between this and the Bushidō code, which was created long after the end of the feudal era. As previously mentioned, extreme importance was placed upon the relationship between lord and vassal. The moral code also encourages death before dishonor, with fleeing from battle being seen as worse than death.

Finished Section 3 of Chapter XVI. Much too long to put my notes here, as it’s a very packed section, so I’ll put it in the comments.