Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan to 1334 > Status Update
Lindsey
is on page 445 of 500
Began Chapter XX: Relations with the Asiatic Mainland.
— Jul 06, 2026 02:58PM
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Lindsey’s Previous Updates
Lindsey
is on page 459 of 500
Began Chapter XXI: Japan After the Mongol Invasions.
— Jul 08, 2026 05:08PM
Lindsey
is on page 409 of 500
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.
— Jul 02, 2026 05:03PM
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.
Lindsey
is on page 394 of 500
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.
— Jul 01, 2026 02:45PM
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.
Lindsey
is on page 384 of 500
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.
— Jun 30, 2026 09:50AM
Lindsey
is on page 370 of 500
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.
— Jun 28, 2026 12:38PM
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.
As for Korea, it was first distraught by Japanese pirates, and they sent an envoy requesting aid from Japan in 1227. Yasutoki agreed to help Korea, calling for the pirates to be captured and put to death. However, Korea too was soon dominated by the Mongols.
The Mongols sent several envoys to Japan telling them to submit or be invaded, but the Bakufu did not give in to their demands. All constables and stewards in Chinzei (western defense region of Kyūshū) were ordered to strengthen defenses. Vassals from Kyūshū were also ordered to return and assist Chinzei. Lastly, Kenin in the western and central provinces moved towards Kyūshū to help.
In 1272, a Mongol ambassador reached Chikuzen and demanded to meet the court, but was denied. A copy of his message (essentially an ultimatum) was sent to the Bakufu, and then the court. The Bakufu expelled him, effectively declaring war against the Mongols.
Section 2 describes the first Mongol Invasion of Japan in 1274. Mongol troops left from Korea and easily captured Tsushima and Iki. They then turned to the coast of Kyūshū, landing at Hakata. Warriors were summoned to Kyūshū and the fighting had begun. The Mongols attacked Hakata on November 19th, where they had an advantage due to their long-range weaponry and superior experience. Japanese forces were losing, and they retreated at nightfall to wait for reinforcements. In a stroke of luck, a severe storm approached and forced the Mongols to retreat to their ships or else be stranded. On the way back to Korea, several of their vessels sank in the ocean with an estimate of 200 being lost and roughly 13,000 men dying. After their victory, the Bakufu rewarded the warriors for their service and made emergency measures to further strengthen Kyūshū’s defenses. Kublai Khan believed the defeat was due to the storm alone, and despatched a missive ordering the “King of Japan” to appear in Peking, prompting the Bakufu to prepare for their next attack.