Hojo Tokimasa

MedievalPoliticianJapan1138 — 1215

First shikken regent of the Kamakura shogunate.

Compare Hojo Tokimasa with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1138

Died

1215

Country

Japan

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)54

Total Score56.4

Hojo Tokimasa — Complete Timeline

1203 AD

Appointed First Shikken of Kamakura ShogunatePolitical Action◆ Major

Hojo Tokimasa became the first shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate, serving under Shogun Minamoto no Sanetomo. This established the Hojo clan's control over the shogunate, reducing the Minamoto shoguns to figureheads.

Kamakura ShogunateRegencyHojo Clan

Impact: national

Overthrew Minamoto no YoriiePolitical Action◆ Major

Tokimasa conspired to depose Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie, his own grandson, accusing him of plotting rebellion. Yoriie was placed under house arrest and later assassinated, allowing Tokimasa to install the more pliable Sanetomo as shogun.

Power StruggleAssassinationMinamoto Clan

Impact: nationaldestructive

1205 AD

Attempted Coup Against Minamoto no SanetomoPolitical Action◆ Major

Tokimasa plotted to assassinate Shogun Sanetomo and replace him with his son-in-law, Hiraga Tomomasa. The plot was discovered by Tokimasa's daughter, Hojo Masako, who forced him into retirement and exile as a monk.

Coup AttemptHojo ClanExile

Impact: nationaldestructive

1215 AD

Exile and DeathOther

After his failed coup, Tokimasa was forced to retire to a monastery in Izu Province, where he died in 1215. His downfall allowed his son, Hojo Yoshitoki, to take over as shikken, continuing Hojo dominance.

ExileDeathHojo Clan

Impact: nationaltragic