The Kamakura period was a time in Japanese history that lasted from 1185 to 1333. During this period, Japan experienced political decentralization with real power shifting from the imperial court to military leaders known as shoguns.
Related terms
Shogunate: The shogunate refers to the government system led by a shogun during feudal Japan. They held actual political power while emperors remained largely ceremonial figures.
Samurai: Samurai were warriors in feudal Japan who served under daimyos (powerful landowners) and played an essential role in maintaining order during the Kamakura period.
Feudalism: Feudalism was the social and economic system in medieval Japan where land was granted to vassals (samurai) in exchange for their loyalty and military service to their lords.