Shogun

Japanese history · warriors · power · medieval

Military Leaders. Shoguns were generals who became the real rulers of Japan starting in 1185. Even though the emperor officially appointed them, shoguns made the important decisions and controlled the country.

Emperor's Shadow. The emperor stayed in charge in name only, kind of like a figurehead. The shogun was the one who actually ran everything, from making laws to commanding the army.

Nearly 700 Years. Shoguns ruled Japan from 1185 all the way to 1868, an incredibly long period of military government. That's longer than the entire history of the United States!

Power Behind the Throne. Sometimes other people held the real power even when a shogun had the title. The Hōjō clan and Hosokawa clan sometimes controlled everything while shoguns were just figureheads.

Warrior Class Leaders. Some great military leaders like Toyotomi Hideyoshi never even became shoguns but still ruled Japan by holding other high positions. This shows that power in Japan could come from different places.