Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan to 1334 > Status Update

Section 1 tells of the tumultuous conditions in Kamakura after the death of Yoritomo. The Bakufu was still upheld, but there were many disputes about Yoritomo’s successor. His eldest son, Yoriie, was made Shōgun after 3 years. During this time, a provincial government was set up, being first lead by Hōjō Tokimasa. After Yoriie fell ill, a succession dispute between his 3 year old son and his younger brother Sanetomo erupted, ending with Yoriie’s abdication and Sanetomo eventually being named Shōgun. As Sanetomo was a minor, a new Regent post known as Shikken was created and Tokimasa assigned to it. His daughter Masako, Sanetomo’s mother, wanted to ensure that Sanetomo would not be overthrown, while his wife Makiko wanted to see Sanetomo replaced with another warrior. A plot to kill Sanetomo almost succeeded, but he was saved by his mother, and Tokimasa was forced to reason due to treason. Masako’s brother, Hōjō Yoshitoki, was then made regent. Under him, the office gained much power, so much so that the title of Shōgun became largely ornamental. Sanetomo was later killed by an unknown assailant in 1219.