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| Hōjō 北条 | |
|---|---|
 The emblem (mon) of the Hōjō clan | |
| Home province | |
| Parent house | Taira clan |
| Titles |
|
| Founder | Hōjō Tokimasa |
| Final ruler | Hōjō Sadayuki |
| Founding year | 12th century |
| Dissolution | 1333 |
| Ruled until | 1333 |
TheHōjō clan (Japanese:北条氏,Hepburn:Hōjō-shi) was a Japanesesamurai family who controlled the hereditary title ofshikken (regent) of theKamakura 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 Kamakurashoguns, or theImperial Court in Kyoto, whose authority was largely symbolic. The Hōjō are known for fosteringZen Buddhism and for leading the successful opposition to theMongol invasions of Japan. Resentment at Hōjō rule eventually culminated in the overthrow of the clan and the establishment of theAshikaga shogunate.
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The Hōjō are alleged to have been an offshoot of theTaira of theKanmu branch, originating inIzu 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 supporting the warlordMinamoto no Yoritomo in theGenpei War through both military assistance and by marriage to his blood relatives. Yet, when Yoritomo died eighteen years later, the Hōjō usurped power from his family.
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Hōjō Tokimasa helpedMinamoto no Yoritomo, a son-in-law, defeat the forces of theTaira to become Japan's firstshōgun.Hōjō Masako, Tokimasa's daughter, was married to Yoritomo. After the death of Yoritomo, Tokimasa appointed himself asshikken (regent) to the formershōgun's young son, thus effectively transferring control of the shogunate to his clan permanently.[4] Consequently, the shōguns became puppets and hostages of the Hōjō.
TheImperial court at Kyoto resented the decline in its authority during theKamakura shogunate, while the clan, in turn, came to despise the weakEmperor Go-Toba. In 1221, theJōkyū War broke out between forces loyal to the recently retired Go-Toba and the second regentHōjō Yoshitoki. The Hōjō forces easily won the war; 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] Theshōgun's constables were granted extensive civil powers, and the court was obliged to seek theshōgun's approval for all of its actions. Although deprived of political power, the court was permitted to maintain its estates inKyoto since it conveyed needed legitimacy on the otherwise unlawful rule of the shogunate.
Several significant administrative achievements were made during the Hōjō regency. In 1225 the third regent,Hōjō Yasutoki, established theHyōjōsho (Council of State), which ended the threat of civil war by enabling potential rivals of the Hōjō to share in the shogunate's decision-making and political power. The Hōjō regent presided over the council, which was a successful form ofcollective leadership. The adoption of Japan's first military code of law — theGoseibai Shikimoku — in 1232 reflected the profound transition from an era of direct Imperial rule to the rule of theshōgun. While legal practices in Kyoto were still based on 500-year-oldConfucian 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 governinginheritances. It was clear and concise, stipulated punishments for violators of its conditions, and remained in effect for the next 635 years.[citation needed]
Aside from the regents above, those who played an important role among the Hōjō clan are:
