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{{short description|Clan who controlled the Kamakura Shogunate as shikken (regent) in Japan}}
{{unreferenced|date=January 2012}}
{{for|the unrelated Hōjō clan of the Sengoku Period|Later Hōjō clan}}
[[Image:Mitsuuroko.svg|thumb|Hōjō [[Mon (crest)|family crest]], the Mitsu-uroko]]
{{multiple issues|
[[Image:Heiji rokuhara gyoukou.jpg|thumb|The feared [[Rokuhara Tandai]], the Hōjō secret police force]]
{{refimprove|date=May 2016}}
[[Image:Mokoshuraiekotoba.jpg|thumb|right|Mongol invasions during [[Hōjō Tokimune]]'s rule]]
{{original research|date=January 2015}}
[[Image:YoshitoshiTakatokiTengu.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hōjō Takatoki]] fighting with a group of [[tengu]], near the end of the Hōjō era.]]
}}
{{For|the unrelated Hōjō clan of the Sengoku Period|Late Hōjō clan}}
{{Infobox Japanese clan
The {{nihongo|'''Hōjō clan'''|北条氏|hōjō shi}} in the [[history of Japan]] was a family who controlled the hereditary title of ''[[shikken]]'' (officially just a [[regent]]) of the [[Kamakura Shogunate]]. In practice, the family had actual governmental power, many times dictatorial, rather than Kamakura [[shoguns]], or the Imperial Court, who were merely legal symbols. The Hōjō are also known for their defiance of the [[Mongols]], and furthering the spread of [[Zen Buddhism]] and [[Bushido]], but also for extreme decadence and making national decisions in secret meetings at private residences.
|surname = Hōjō
|surname nihongo = 北条
|image = Japanese Crest mitu Uroko.svg
|image size = 140px
|image caption = The emblem ([[Mon (badge)|''mon'']]) of the Hōjō clan
|home province = {{Plainlist|
* [[Izu Province|Izu]]
* [[Sagami Province|Sagami]]}}
|parent house = [[Taira clan]]
|titles = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[Shikken]]''
* Various others}}
|founder = [[Hōjō Tokimasa]]
|final ruler = [[Hōjō Takatoki]]
|founding year = 12th century
|dissolution = 1333
|ruled until = 1333
|cadet branches =
}}
The {{nihongo|'''Hōjō clan'''|北条氏|Hōjō-shi|lead=yes}} was a Japanese [[samurai]] family who controlled the hereditary title of ''[[shikken]]'' ([[regent]]) of the [[Kamakura shogunate]] between 1203 and 1333. Despite the title, in practice the family wielded actual political power in Japan during this period compared to both the Kamakura [[Shogun|shoguns]], or the [[Imperial Court in Kyoto]], whose authority was largely symbolic. The Hōjō are known for fostering [[Zen Buddhism]] and for leading the successful opposition to the [[Mongol invasions of Japan]]. Resentment at Hōjō rule eventually culminated in the overthrow of the clan and the establishment of the [[Ashikaga shogunate]].


==Bloodline==
==History==
The Hōjō were an offshoot of the [[Minamoto]]'s arch-enemy, the [[Taira]] of the Kammu branch, originating in [[Izu Province]]. They gained power by supporting the extermination of their close relatives the Taira by intermarrying with and supporting [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] in the [[Battle of Dan-no-ura]]. Just 18 years after, the Hōjō usurped power with Yoritomo's passing.


==Rise to power==
===Bloodline===
[[File:Hojo Tokimasa Praying to a Goddess in the Sea LACMA M.84.31.455 (1 of 2).jpg|thumb|When Hojo Tokimasa went into seclusion on Enoshima Island, [[Benzaiten]] appeared on the 21st day and told him that if he committed atrocities his family would perish, then she transformed into a dragon and disappeared into the sea. This painting depicts Tokimasa bowing his head and placing the three scales left by the snake on a folding fan. After this, the Hojo family adopted the three scales as their family crest.]]
'''[[Hōjō Tokimasa]]''' helped [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]], a son-in-law, defeat the forces of the [[Taira]] to become Japan's first [[Shogun]]. [[Hōjō Masako]], Tokimasa's daughter, was married to Yoritomo. After the death of Yoritomo, Tokimasa became Regent to the child Shogun, thus effectively transferring control of the Shogunate to his clan permanently. The Minamoto and even Imperial Princes became puppets and hostages of the Hōjō.
The Hōjō are alleged to have been an offshoot of the [[Taira]] of the [[Emperor Kanmu|Kanmu]] branch, originating in [[Izu Province]]. On the other hand, modern theories question whether the Hōjō clan was really descended from the Taira clan.<ref name="nioda">{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-topics/c10501/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218225747/https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-topics/c10501/|script-title=ja:源平は名門の証しとして威光を保ち続けた|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=28 September 2021|archive-date=18 December 2022|access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="rkoda">{{cite web|url=https://www.rekishijin.com/17683|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322215348/https://www.rekishijin.com/17683|script-title=ja:源氏政権樹立に尽力した「北条氏」のルーツは平氏だった?|language=ja|publisher=Rekishijin|date=2 February 2022|archive-date=22 March 2023|access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="proda">{{cite web|url=https://president.jp/articles/-/54436|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630163418/https://president.jp/articles/-/54436|script-title=ja:「平家を捨て源氏に乗り換える」教科書には載っていない北条時政と源頼朝の篤すぎる信頼関係|language=ja|publisher=Yahoo News|date=6 February 2022|archive-date=30 June 2022|access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref>


They gained power by supporting the defeat of the Taira by intermarrying with and supporting [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]] in the [[Genpei War]]. The Hōjō usurped power when Yoritomo died eighteen years later.
==Major early events==
With the protector of the Emperor (shogun) a figurehead himself, strains emerged between Kyoto and [[Kamakura shogunate|Kamakura]], and in 1221 the [[Jōkyū War]] broke out between the Cloistered [[Emperor Go-Toba]] and the second regent [[Hōjō Yoshitoki]]. The Hōjō forces easily won the war, and the imperial court was brought under the direct control of the shogunate. The shogun's constables gained greater civil powers, and the court was obliged to seek Kamakura's approval for all of its actions. Although deprived of political power, the court retained extensive estates.


===Rise to power===
Several significant administrative achievements were made during the Hōjō regency. In 1225 the third regent [[Hōjō Yasutoki]] established the Council of State, providing opportunities for other military lords to exercise judicial and legislative authority at Kamakura. The Hōjō regent presided over the council, which was a successful form of collective leadership. The adoption of Japan's first military code of law—the [[Goseibai Shikimoku]]—in 1232 reflected the profound transition from court to militarized society. While legal practices in Kyoto were still based on 500-year-old [[Confucianism|Confucian]] principles, the new code was a highly legalistic document that stressed the duties of stewards and constables, provided means for settling land disputes, and established rules governing [[inheritance]]s. It was clear and concise, stipulated punishments for violators of its conditions, and remained in effect for the next 635 years.
{{Expand-section|date=November 2017}}
[[Hōjō Tokimasa]] helped [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]], a son-in-law, defeat the forces of the [[Taira clan|Taira]] to become Japan's first ''[[shōgun]]''. [[Hōjō Masako]], Tokimasa's daughter, was married to Yoritomo. After the death of Yoritomo, Tokimasa became ''[[shikken]]'' (regent) to the child ''shōgun'', thus effectively transferring control of the shogunate to his clan permanently.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/topic/Hojo-family|title=Hōjō family |last1=Harrison |first1=John A. |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date= 20 May 2016}}</ref> Consequently the shōguns became puppets and hostages of the Hōjō.


===Early events===
As might be expected, the literature of the time reflected the unsettled nature of the period. The ''[[Hōjōki]]'' describes the turmoil of the period in terms of the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and the vanity of human projects. The ''[[Heike monogatari]]'' narrated the rise and fall of the Taira, replete with tales of wars and samurai deeds. A second literary mainstream was the continuation of anthologies of poetry in the ''[[Shin Kokin Wakashū]]'', of which twenty volumes were produced between 1201 and 1205.
The [[Imperial Court in Kyoto|Imperial court at Kyoto]] resented the decline in its authority during the [[Kamakura shogunate]], and the clan disliked [[Emperor Go-Toba]]. and in 1221 the [[Jōkyū War]] broke out between retired Emperor Go-Toba and the second regent [[Hōjō Yoshitoki]]. The Hōjō forces easily won the war, and the imperial court was brought under the direct control of the shogunate, while the emperor was exiled "to a remote island off western Japan."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Allen |first=Tony |title=Timelines of World History |last2=Grant |first2=R. G. |last3=Parker |first3=Philip |last4=Celtel |first4=Kay |last5=Kramer |first5=Ann |last6=Weeks |first6=Marcus |date=June 2022 |publisher=[[DK (publisher)|DK]] |isbn=978-0-7440-5627-3 |edition=First American |location=New York |page=177}}</ref> The [[Shugo|''shōgun''{{'}}s constables]] gained greater civil powers, and the court was obliged to seek the ''shōgun''{{'}}s approval for all of its actions. Although deprived of political power, the court retained extensive estates in [[Kyoto]].


Several significant administrative achievements were made during the Hōjō regency. In 1225 the third regent [[Hōjō Yasutoki]] established the [[Hyōjōsho|Council of State]], providing opportunities for other military lords to exercise judicial and legislative authority at Kamakura. The Hōjō regent presided over the council, which was a successful form of collective leadership. The adoption of Japan's first military code of law—the [[Goseibai Shikimoku]]—in 1232 reflected the profound transition from court to militarized society. While legal practices in Kyoto were still based on 500-year-old [[Confucianism|Confucian]] principles, the new code was a highly legalistic document that stressed the duties of stewards and constables, provided means for settling land disputes, and established rules governing [[inheritance]]s. It was clear and concise, stipulated punishments for violators of its conditions, and remained in effect for the next 635 years.
==Fall from power==
The Hōjō were first betrayed by a vassal, [[Ashikaga Takauji]]. Takauji, ordered to defeat the forces allied with [[Emperor Go-Daigo]] in 1333, switched sides and became a loyalist general. In the same year, Kamakura was invaded by [[Nitta Yoshisada]] and the entire Hōjō clan, almost 900 persons, killed themselves at the family temple of [[Tōshō-ji]].


==List of Hōjō ''Shikken''==
==List of Hōjō ''Shikken''==
1 [[Hōjō Tokimasa]] (1138–1215) (r. 1203-1205)<br>
# [[Hōjō Tokimasa]] (1138–1215) (r. 1203–1205)
2 [[Hōjō Yoshitoki]] (1163–1224) (r. 1205-1224)<br>
# [[Hōjō Yoshitoki]] (1163–1224) (r. 1205–1224)
3 [[Hōjō Yasutoki]] (1183–1242) (r. 1224-1242)<br>
# [[Hōjō Yasutoki]] (1183–1242) (r. 1224–1242)
4 [[Hōjō Tsunetoki]] (1224–1246) (r. 1242-1246)<br>
# [[Hōjō Tsunetoki]] (1224–1246) (r. 1242–1246)
5 [[Hōjō Tokiyori]] (1227–1263) (r. 1246-1256)<br>
# [[Hōjō Tokiyori]] (1227–1263) (r. 1246–1256)
6 [[Hōjō Nagatoki]] (1229–1264) (r. 1256-1264)<br>
# [[Hōjō Nagatoki]] (1229–1264) (r. 1256–1264)
7 [[Hōjō Masamura]] (1205–1273) (r. 1264-1268)<br>
# [[Hōjō Masamura]] (1205–1273) (r. 1264–1268)
8 [[Hōjō Tokimune]] (1251–1284) (r. 1268-1284)<br>
# [[Hōjō Tokimune]] (1251–1284) (r. 1268–1284)
9 [[Hōjō Sadatoki]] (1271–1311) (r. 1284-1301)<br>
# [[Hōjō Sadatoki]] (1271–1311) (r. 1284–1301)
10 [[Hōjō Morotoki]] (1275–1311) (r. 1301-1311)<br>
# [[Hōjō Morotoki]] (1275–1311) (r. 1301–1311)
11 [[Hōjō Munenobu]] (1259–1312) (r. 1311-1312)<br>
# [[Hōjō Munenobu]] (1259–1312) (r. 1311–1312)
12 [[Hōjō Hirotoki]] (1279–1315) (r. 1312-1315)<br>
# [[Hōjō Hirotoki]] (1279–1315) (r. 1312–1315)
13 [[Hōjō Mototoki]] (?-1333) (r. 1315)<br>
# [[Hōjō Mototoki]] (1286-1333) (r. 1315)
14 [[Hōjō Takatoki]] (1303–1333) (r. 1316-1326)<br>
# [[Hōjō Takatoki]] (1303–1333) (r. 1316–1326)
15 [[Hōjō Sadaaki]] (1278–1333) (r. 1326)<br>
# [[Hōjō Sadaaki]] (1278–1333) (r. 1326)
16 [[Hōjō Moritoki]] (?-1333) (r. 1327-1333)
# [[Hōjō Moritoki]] (1295-1333) (r. 1327–1333)
# [[Hōjō Sadayuki]] (1302-1333) (r.1333)


Aside from the regents above, those who played an important role among the Hōjō clan are:
Aside from the regents above, those who played an important role among the Hōjō clan are:
Line 46: Line 68:


==References in media==
==References in media==
*The [[Taiheiki]] (Japanese: 太平記) is a Japanese historical epic written in the late 14th century that details the fall of the Hōjō clan and rise of the [[Ashikaga]], and the period of war ([[Nanboku-chō]]) between the [[Northern Court]] of [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in [[Kyoto]], and the [[Southern Court]] of [[Emperor Go-Daigo]] in [[Yoshino, Nara|Yoshino]], which forever splintered the [[Japanese Imperial Family]]. Multiple modern films have been made based on the epic novel.
* The [[Taiheiki]] (Japanese: 太平記) is a Japanese historical epic written in the late 14th century that details the fall of the Hōjō clan and rise of the [[Ashikaga clan|Ashikaga]], and the period of war ([[Nanboku-chō]]) between the [[Northern Court]] of [[Ashikaga Takauji]] in [[Kyoto]], and the [[Southern Court]] of [[Emperor Go-Daigo]] in [[Yoshino, Nara|Yoshino]], which forever splintered the [[Japanese Imperial Family]]. Multiple modern films have been made based on the epic novel.
* In the [[visual novel]] ''[[Policenauts]]'', the main plot deals with protagonist Jonathan Ingram locating his estranged wife's missing husband, Kenzō Hōjō. Hōjō's crest becomes an important [[gameplay]] element later on
*In the anime show [[Inuyasha]], in episode 137, there is a character named Hōjō Akitoki. Throughout the episode Hōjō wears a kimono bearing symbols very similar to the Hōjō family crest.
* [[Hōjō Tokimune]] is the leader of the Japanese civilization in the strategy video game [[Sid Meier's Civilization VI]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/civilization-6/civ-6-civilizations-leaders-guide|title=Civilization 6's civilizations, leaders and their unique abilities|publisher=[[PCGamesN]]|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=July 28, 2016}}</ref>
*The Hōjō clan is one of many clans playable in the 2000 PC game [[Shogun: Total War]], set in the [[Sengoku period]]. They are master builders, able to build castles cheaper than any other clan, and can build superior siege weaponry and units (mangonels, cannons, fire bomb throwers). However, since the game is set in the Sengoku period, this probably represents the unrelated [[Late Hōjō clan]], which appropriated the Hōjō name and crest.
* [[Hōjō Tokiyuki]], a son of the last [[Tokusō]] (head of Hōjō clan), is main character of {{Nihongo|[[The Elusive Samurai]]|逃げ上手の若君}} manga by [[Yusei Matsui]].
:*The Late Hōjō clan has returned as a playable faction in [[Total War: Shogun 2]], the sequel to Shogun: Total War.
*The Hōjō clan's crest was replicated as the Triforce symbol from the [[Legend of Zelda]] game series created by Japanese game designers [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Takashi Tezuka]].
* The Hōjō kamon could be one inspiration for the symbol of the [[triforce]] in [[The Legend of Zelda|the ''Legend of Zelda'' series]].
* In [[Samurai Champloo]] one of the main characters, Mugen, is shown wearing a [[Keikogi|gi]] with a white upsidedown triangle on the back. While this may be a coincidence, it bears resemblance to the Hojo clan.
*In the [[visual novel]] ''[[Policenauts]]'', the main plot deals with protagonist Jonathan Ingram locating his estranged wife's missing husband, Kenzo Hojo. Hojo's crest later becomes an important gameplay element later on.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[History of Japan]]
* [[Hōkoku-ji]]
* [[Hōkoku-ji]]
* [[Shogun]]
* [[Shikken]], Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Tokuso|Tokusō]], Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Rensho]], Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Rokuhara Tandai]], Hōjō security force, Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Kamakura shogunate]]
* [[Kamakura shogunate]]
* [[History of Japan]]
* [[Kanazawa Bunko]]
* [[Kanazawa Bunko]]
* [[Later Hōjō clan]], a clan that took on the name 'Hōjō' for the convenience of ruling over the Kanto region, despite having no direct connection to the Kamakura Hōjō.
* [[Mongol invasions of Japan]]
* [[Mongol invasions of Japan]]
* [[Rensho]], Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Rokuhara Tandai]], security force located in Kyoto, Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Shikken]], Hōjō hereditary post
* [[Tokusō]], the title of the head of the clan


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hojo clan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hojo clan}}
[[Category:Japanese clans]]
[[Category:Hōjō clan| ]]
[[Category:Hōjō clan| ]]
[[Category:Japanese clans]]

Latest revision as of 23:23, 27 September 2024

Hōjō
北条
The emblem (mon) of the Hōjō clan
Home province
Parent houseTaira clan
Titles
FounderHōjō Tokimasa
Final rulerHōjō Takatoki
Founding year12th century
Dissolution1333
Ruled until1333

The Hōjō clan (Japanese: 北条氏, Hepburn: Hōjō-shi) was a Japanese samurai family who controlled the hereditary title of shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate between 1203 and 1333. Despite the title, in practice the family wielded actual political power in Japan during this period compared to both the Kamakura shoguns, or the Imperial Court in Kyoto, whose authority was largely symbolic. The Hōjō are known for fostering Zen Buddhism and for leading the successful opposition to the Mongol invasions of Japan. Resentment at Hōjō rule eventually culminated in the overthrow of the clan and the establishment of the Ashikaga shogunate.

History

[edit]

Bloodline

[edit]
When Hojo Tokimasa went into seclusion on Enoshima Island, Benzaiten appeared on the 21st day and told him that if he committed atrocities his family would perish, then she transformed into a dragon and disappeared into the sea. This painting depicts Tokimasa bowing his head and placing the three scales left by the snake on a folding fan. After this, the Hojo family adopted the three scales as their family crest.

The Hōjō are alleged to have been an offshoot of the Taira of the Kanmu branch, originating in Izu Province. On the other hand, modern theories question whether the Hōjō clan was really descended from the Taira clan.[1][2][3]

They gained power by supporting the defeat of the Taira by intermarrying with and supporting Minamoto no Yoritomo in the Genpei War. The Hōjō usurped power when Yoritomo died eighteen years later.

Rise to power

[edit]

Hōjō Tokimasa helped Minamoto no Yoritomo, a son-in-law, defeat the forces of the Taira to become Japan's first shōgun. Hōjō Masako, Tokimasa's daughter, was married to Yoritomo. After the death of Yoritomo, Tokimasa became shikken (regent) to the child shōgun, thus effectively transferring control of the shogunate to his clan permanently.[4] Consequently the shōguns became puppets and hostages of the Hōjō.

Early events

[edit]

The Imperial court at Kyoto resented the decline in its authority during the Kamakura shogunate, and the clan disliked Emperor Go-Toba. and in 1221 the Jōkyū War broke out between retired Emperor Go-Toba and the second regent Hōjō Yoshitoki. The Hōjō forces easily won the war, and the imperial court was brought under the direct control of the shogunate, while the emperor was exiled "to a remote island off western Japan."[5] The shōgun's constables gained greater civil powers, and the court was obliged to seek the shōgun's approval for all of its actions. Although deprived of political power, the court retained extensive estates in Kyoto.

Several significant administrative achievements were made during the Hōjō regency. In 1225 the third regent Hōjō Yasutoki established the Council of State, providing opportunities for other military lords to exercise judicial and legislative authority at Kamakura. The Hōjō regent presided over the council, which was a successful form of collective leadership. The adoption of Japan's first military code of law—the Goseibai Shikimoku—in 1232 reflected the profound transition from court to militarized society. While legal practices in Kyoto were still based on 500-year-old Confucian principles, the new code was a highly legalistic document that stressed the duties of stewards and constables, provided means for settling land disputes, and established rules governing inheritances. It was clear and concise, stipulated punishments for violators of its conditions, and remained in effect for the next 635 years.

List of Hōjō Shikken

[edit]
  1. Hōjō Tokimasa (1138–1215) (r. 1203–1205)
  2. Hōjō Yoshitoki (1163–1224) (r. 1205–1224)
  3. Hōjō Yasutoki (1183–1242) (r. 1224–1242)
  4. Hōjō Tsunetoki (1224–1246) (r. 1242–1246)
  5. Hōjō Tokiyori (1227–1263) (r. 1246–1256)
  6. Hōjō Nagatoki (1229–1264) (r. 1256–1264)
  7. Hōjō Masamura (1205–1273) (r. 1264–1268)
  8. Hōjō Tokimune (1251–1284) (r. 1268–1284)
  9. Hōjō Sadatoki (1271–1311) (r. 1284–1301)
  10. Hōjō Morotoki (1275–1311) (r. 1301–1311)
  11. Hōjō Munenobu (1259–1312) (r. 1311–1312)
  12. Hōjō Hirotoki (1279–1315) (r. 1312–1315)
  13. Hōjō Mototoki (1286-1333) (r. 1315)
  14. Hōjō Takatoki (1303–1333) (r. 1316–1326)
  15. Hōjō Sadaaki (1278–1333) (r. 1326)
  16. Hōjō Moritoki (1295-1333) (r. 1327–1333)
  17. Hōjō Sadayuki (1302-1333) (r.1333)

Aside from the regents above, those who played an important role among the Hōjō clan are:

References in media

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ 源平は名門の証しとして威光を保ち続けた (in Japanese). nippon.com. 28 September 2021. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  2. ^ 源氏政権樹立に尽力した「北条氏」のルーツは平氏だった? (in Japanese). Rekishijin. 2 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  3. ^ 「平家を捨て源氏に乗り換える」教科書には載っていない北条時政と源頼朝の篤すぎる信頼関係 (in Japanese). Yahoo News. 6 February 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  4. ^ Harrison, John A. "Hōjō family". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  5. ^ Allen, Tony; Grant, R. G.; Parker, Philip; Celtel, Kay; Kramer, Ann; Weeks, Marcus (June 2022). Timelines of World History (First American ed.). New York: DK. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-7440-5627-3.
  6. ^ "Civilization 6's civilizations, leaders and their unique abilities". PCGamesN. July 27, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016.