Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan to 1334 > Status Update

Section 3 tells of the second Mongol Invasion of Japan, in 1281. Due to the dire conditions in Korea and their severe loss in the invasion of 1274, Mongol forces were continually delayed. This gave Japanese forces situated in Kyūshū plenty of time to prepare. New ships were built originally for an offensive measure, but the plan was scrapped and they were instead kept for defensive purposes. Additionally, a stone wall was built from the east of the Shiga spit all the way west to Imazu. This would prevent an easy landing by the invaders, although they would be able to find new landing ports as they learned of the wall. Japanese forces accommodated this by keeping reserve forces on the extremities of each end.

Near the beginning of 1281, Khublai Khan gave the order to attack. Mongol forces numbered 100,000 and sailed in massive fleets. This was a double edged sword however, for it delayed some ships. Nonetheless troops attacked Tsushima, but were swiftly defeated. They retreated to their base, but an epidemic prevented another attempt. It was not until early Summer when they returned to the offensive, this time going to Iki. This measure was successful, and they then sailed to Chikuzen Coast, docking across several points on June 23. The Shiga spit was captured and remained under constant assault by Japanese forces due to its important position. Further points were captured, but the Japanese forces maintained their position and continued pressuring the Mongols. The position was held for over 7 weeks, and a typhoon soon approached the coast. It devastated the Mongol forces who lost many of their men and vessels during their retreat. Khublai Khan wished to make a third attempt, but was unable to do so.