The Kamakura period in Japan lasted from 1185 CE to 1333 CE. It marked the start of the first shogunate, a military government. The capital was located in Kamakura instead of Kyoto.

Samurai warriors became powerful during this time and played a key role in government. Japan faced two attempted Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281, which were repelled. Military leadership became central to political life.

This period showed a shift from imperial rule to military control. It ended when the Kamakura government was replaced by a new ruling system.