-
May 4, 710
First permanent capital
In 710 CE, the first permanent capital was established in Nara by Empress Gemmei (707 CE-715 CE). -
Period: May 4, 710 to May 4, 794
Nara Period
The Nara period spanned from 710 CE to 794 CE. During this time, the first books were produced in Japan and Nara became the country's first permanent capital which was established by the empress Gemmei. -
May 4, 781
Emperor Kammu enthroned
Emperor Kammu is enthroned in 781 CE. -
May 4, 794
Capital is moved
Emperor Kammu decided to move his capital to Heian (present-day Kyoto). His reasons are unknown, however, it is thought that he was concerned with the growing influence of the powerful Buddhist priests in Nara. -
Period: May 4, 794 to May 4, 1185
Heian Period
The Heian period started in 794 CE and ended in 1185 CE. In this period, Nara no longer became the capital in 794, when emperor Kammu decided to move his capital to Heian (present - day Kyoto). Japanese emperors also lost their influence over government affairs gradually in the Heian period and the Fujiwara clan began to gain more power and control over imperial court politics. -
May 4, 1180
The Genpei War
Two of the largest clans at that time, the Taira and the Minamoto clans, had come into conflict over the next emperor. -
Period: May 4, 1185 to May 4, 1333
Kamakura Period
The Kamakura period, 1185 CE - 1333 CE, marks the true beginning of feudalism in Japan. Minamoto Yoritomo's victory against the Taira clan made him the most powerful warlord in Japan and he became the first shogun. Japan was also invaded by the Mongols and a large uprising between the peasants and the shogunate occurred. -
May 4, 1192
Japan's first shogun
Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Japan's first shogun in 1192. -
May 4, 1274
Mongol invasions
The first Mongol invasion of Japan is led by the leader Kublai Khan but fails. -
Period: May 4, 1333 to May 4, 1568
Muromachi Period
The Muromachi period, also called the Ashikaga period was after the Kamakura period and finished in 1568 CE. The Muromachi witnessed a great cultural growth and flower arranging and nō drama were developed in spite of a political disorder. -
May 4, 1457
Edo Castle
Edo Castle was built in 1457. -
May 4, 1543
Europeans arrive
The first Europeans arrive in Japan by accident. To buy firearms and other goods, several daimyo in Kyushu opened their ports to Portuguese traders. -
Period: May 4, 1568 to
Azuchi - Momoyama
The Azuchi - Momoyama period (1568-1600), was the age of political unification. This period was also extravagant as castles and mansions replaced temples. -
Invasion of Korea
The Japanese unsuccessfully invade Korea from 1592 to 1598. -
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu defeats his rivals and wins the battle of Sekigahara. -
Period: to
Tokugawa Period
Also known as the Edo period, the Tokugawa period, spanning from 1600 CE to 1867 CE, was the final period of feudal Japan. It was a time of peace, economic growth and political stability. -
Mt. Fuji erupts
Mt. Fuji erupts in 1707 to 1708.
