Japanese Historical figures have played a significant role in shaping Japanese history since ancient times. From emperors and court nobles to samurais, Buddhists, Shintoists, and cultural figures such as tea masters and painters, their impact can still be felt today through the various historical sites scattered throughout Japan. On this page, we will introduce some of the major individuals whose legacies are closely tied to these historical sites. Uncovering their lives makes your travel to Japan more fascinating.

Shogun

@ NDL

Shogun governed the nation by military prowess, intelligence, economic power, and leadership qualities. Minamoto Yoritomo established the Kamakura Shogunate and ruled as its military head of Samurai, the first in Japanese history. After its collapse, the Ashikaga clan took control as the 15 successive shoguns of the Muromachi Shogunate (1336-1590), which was later succeeded by the Tokugawa clan in the Edo period (1603-1868).  >> Read More

Samurai

Samurai Doll_侍姿の五月人形

The samurai were originally warrior nobles in the Imperial Court during the Heian Period (794-1185). The first samurai government was established in Kamakura in 1185. As the Shogun power declined, powerful warlords sought to expand their territories, resulting in the Warring States Period. In the Edo period (1603-1868), Bushido and the martial arts of swordplay flourished. However, with the Meiji Restoration, the Samurai era ended. >> Read More

Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga_s_織田信長

Oda Nobunaga (1534~1582, 織田信長) had a clear vision of unifying the nation, well being expressed in his slogan: "Tenkafubu (天下布武)," meaning to end the turmoil through his military power. To this end, he exercised great visionary leadership with innovative ideas and was not afraid to make tough decisions. Nobunaga was a beloved Samurai by many people. >> Read More

Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyotomi Hideyoshi_豊臣秀吉

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598, 豊臣秀吉) unified Japan and boosted and promoted the economy from the Osaka area to the nation. Unlike his lord, Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi rose from a farmer to become the ruler and the highest rank of the Imperial Court, Daijo-Daijin. His success was based on his great Emotional Leadership. >> Read More

Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu_徳川家康

Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康;1543-1616) laid the foundation for an era of peace in Japan that lasted for 260 years during the Edo period (1603-1868). Tokugawa Ieyasu's success was the result of developing his powerful organization and ability to listen. In addition, his strong vision is not to make the world back to the warring turmoil anymore. >> Read More

Ninja

Greatly Active regardless of Day and Night on the Front Lines during the Warring State Period (1467-1590). Ninja, officially known as Shinobi, had mastered superhuman ninjutsu, the art of warfare. For the warlords, Ninjas were indispensable for their victory in actual battles.

Emperor, Prince, and Court nobles

The Japanese imperial family boasts an unbroken line of emperors dating back some 1500 years in fact and 2600 years in myth. The role of the emperor has been one of ultimate authority. The Kyoto Imperial Palace has no defenses such as moats, stone walls, or watchtowers. Instead, it is surrounded by mud walls, making it completely unarmed. This reflects the Japanese people's deep respect for the Imperial Family and their belief that the Emperor would never be attacked by his people.

Emperor Meiji
Emperor Meiji_明治天皇

The 122nd Emperor Meiji (1852-1912, 明治天皇) ascended to the throne during the upheaval period at the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. Emperor Meiji’s whole life was devoted to making Japan a modern nation. His spirit is enshrined at Meiji Jingu Shrine. >> Read More

Emperor Shomu
Emperor Shomu_聖武天皇

The 45th Emperor Shomu (701-756, 聖武天皇) established the Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha to settle social unease and rule the nation with the blessings of Buddha. He laid the foundation for the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. This may become one of the characteristics of the Japanese style, taking things from abroad and somehow merging them into a Japanese style. >> Read More

Emperor Go-Daigo
Emperor Go-Daigo_後醍醐天皇

Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339, 後醍醐天皇) succeeded in overthrowing the Kamakura Shogunate indomitably and restoring the emperor's rule, known as the Kenmu Restoration (1333-1336). However, his restoration collapsed after only three years. Emperor Go-Daigo fled from Kyoto to Yoshino, where he died of a broken heart while wishing to return to Kyoto. >> Read More

Buddhists

Japanese Buddhism has developed various doctrines in response to the demands of the times since its introduction in 538. During the Nara period (710-794), Buddhism played a crucial role in stabilizing and protecting the nation. In the Heian period (794-1185), Buddhism gained prominence among the emperors and nobles for its role in individual salvation. Towards the late Heian period, people believed in the advent of the "Mappo, (the end of the world)," then the “Buddhism for Salvation" spread. Conversely, Zen Buddhism gained sympathy in the Samurai class due to its teachings on living without hesitation. >> Read More

Prince Shotoku
Prince Umayado/Shotoku_厩戸皇子/聖徳太子

Prince Shotoku, known as Prince Umayado (574-622, 厩戸皇子), established a centralized state based on Buddhism. He built the Horyuji Temple and formulated Japan's first constitution, the "Seventeen-Article Constitution.” His continuous learning and acquisition of knowledge was crucial and his teaching of the importance of harmony and collaboration in society is the compass, even today. >> Read More

Kukai
Kukai, the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism_空海_真言密教創始者

Kukai (774-835, 空海), the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism at Koyasan, introduced a new theory, "the attainment of enlightenment while alive (Sokushin Jobutsu)." He expressed his belief in a written petition: My wish will not end until all living things are filled with peace and happiness. Kukai is believed to be alive, and every day for about 1200 years, his meals have been served at Okunoin, even on rainy and snowy. >> Read More

Yosai
Yosai-face, Rinzai School of Buddhism_臨済宗栄西

Yosai (1141-1215, 栄西) produced the first Japanese book on Zen, built the first Zen temple, and combined Zen and tea for physical and mental health. He described "The true nature of the human mind is pure, beautiful, and great, but we have forgotten this pure mind in our daily lives. "Zazen" is the way to recover this great mind." Zen Buddhism flourished in the Kamakura Shogunate. >> Read More

Cultural figures

Tea Masters and Chanoyu, the way of tea

SamuraiTeamaster_武家茶の姿

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