Minamoto no Yoritomo

Reign: 1192 – 1199
Life: 1147–1199

He was married to Hōjō Masako, who acted as regent (shikken) after his death. The early 11th-century text Mutsu Waki 陸奥話記 says Yoritomo is an incarnation of the god of the north Bishamonten. After successfully maneuvering himself to the position of rightful heir of the Minamoto clan, he led his clan against the Taira from his capital in Kamakura, beginning the Genpei War in 1180. After five years of civil war, the Minamoto clan finally defeated the Taira in the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. Yoritomo established the supremacy of the samurai caste and the first shogunate (bakufu) which was to be centered around Kamakura, thus beginning the feudal age in Japan, which lasted until the 19th century.

During Minamoto no Yoritomo's reign, Richard I of England ruled England, Alfonso VIII of Castile ruled Spain, and Sancho I of Portugal ruled Portugal.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Yoritomo and the Founding of the First Bakufu by Jeffrey P. Mass

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Minamoto no Yoritomo

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Yoritomo and the Founding of the First Bakufu

Jeffrey P. Mass

The scholarly standard on the shogun who founded Japan's warrior government.

Find this book on Amazon