Hōjō clan

The Hōjō clan (北条氏, Hōjō-shi) was a powerful family that dominated the Kamakura shogunate of Japan from 1199 to 1333. While technically holding the title of shikken (regent) to the shōgun, in reality, they wielded the actual political and military power, effectively controlling the government.

The clan rose to prominence following the Genpei War (1180-1185) and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo. Yoritomo's wife, Hōjō Masako, was a daughter of Hōjō Tokimasa, and through strategic maneuvering and often ruthless actions, Tokimasa established his family's control after Yoritomo's death. The Hōjō solidified their position by eliminating rivals and manipulating the succession of shōguns, placing puppet rulers on the throne.

The Hōjō period saw the consolidation of feudal structures in Japan and significant cultural and religious developments, including the spread of Zen Buddhism. They are also credited with successfully repelling the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281.

Despite their initial success, the Hōjō's autocratic rule and increasingly centralized control created resentment among other powerful families and factions. The decline of the Hōjō clan began in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Their legitimacy was challenged, and internal power struggles weakened their authority. Finally, in 1333, Emperor Go-Daigo, in collaboration with disgruntled warriors like Ashikaga Takauji and Nitta Yoshisada, overthrew the Kamakura shogunate, ending the Hōjō's dominance and ushering in the Kenmu Restoration. The Hōjō clan was largely wiped out in the ensuing fighting.