Background Kamakura Shogunate and the Mongul Invasion For a clearer understanding of the life and achievements of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, a brief look at the milieu of the time is essential. The time in which Nichiren Daishonin made his advent is known in Japanese history as the Kamakura era. An age of warrior class domination, this era began in 1185 when Yoritomo Minamoto (1147-1199) defeated the ruling Taira clan in the Gempei War and ascended to Shogun (military and political dictator). He established his Shogunate (military government) in the eastern city of Kamakura. The Kamakura era, marked by violence and conflict,  lasted until Emperor Go-Daigo launched a successful revolt against the Kamakura Shogunate and reestablished imperial rule in the central city of Kyoto in 1333. The power of the Shogun was absolute under Yoritomo, but diminished after his death. Without a capable and enduring successor, the Kamakura Shogunate devolved into a hereditary regency with the Shogun acting merely as a figurehead. Dominating the regency was the family of Yoritomo’s wife, Masako Hojo (1157-1225), with successive Hojo Regents, beginning with Masako’s father, Tokimasa Hojo—himself a warlord—wielding power and reigning supreme. Buddhism was among the cultural influences adopted by the Hojo to lend prestige and a façade of civility to their regime. Zen, namely, a new religion shunned by the aristocracy in the imperial capital of Kyoto, garnered considerable support among the Hojo, with several regents demonstrating their enthusiasm by founding temples and supporting religious leaders. Among other religions which flourished during the Kamakura period were Tendai, Shingon, Jodo (Pure Land), Ritsu and Ji, some of which also gained the support of the Hojo. Nichiren Daishonin’s life was directly impacted by the Hojo family. Daishonin remonstrated with, was pardoned by or suffered persecutions sanctioned by various Hojo Regents. He also counted among his followers several members of the Hojo clan. Regents during the Daishonin’s lifetime included Yasutoki Hojo (1183-1242), Tsunetoki Hojo (1214-1246), Tokiyori Hojo (1227- 1263), Nagatoki Hojo (1229-1264) and Tokimuni Hojo (1251-1284).