Mongol Invasions of Japan Foiled

The Mongols Failed to Conquer Japan Twice

On November 19, 1274, Kublai Khan's Mongol army landed on the island of Kyushu, Japan, marking the beginning of the first Mongol invasion. The invasion force, led by General Kaidu, consisted of over 900 ships and 30,000 soldiers. Historian Paul Demiéville notes that the Mongols had already conquered much of Asia and were determined to add Japan to their empire.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Mongols were repelled by the brave Japanese samurai, but the standard story goes that the kamikaze storms played a significant role in saving Japan from the invaders. However, this simplified narrative overlooks the complexity of the events and the fact that the Mongols launched two separate invasions of Japan. The common understanding of the Mongol invasions of Japan is that they were a single, failed attempt to conquer the island nation.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Thomas Conlan argues that the Mongols were well-prepared for their invasion of Japan, with a large and well-organized army. On November 19, 1274, the Mongols landed on the island of Kyushu, but they were met with resistance from the Japanese samurai. The Mongols were ultimately repelled, but not before they had inflicted significant damage on the Japanese forces. According to the "Yuan Shi", a historical document written by Chinese historians, the Mongols launched a second invasion of Japan in 1281, with an even larger army. The Mongols built over 4,400 ships for their second invasion, a massive undertaking that demonstrates the scale of their ambitions. Historian Kenneth Chen notes that the second invasion was also repelled, in part due to the kamikaze storms that destroyed much of the Mongol fleet. On August 15, 1281, the Mongol fleet was destroyed in a typhoon, marking the end of the second Mongol invasion of Japan. The Japanese historian, Kitabatake Chikafusa, wrote in his book "Jinno Shotoki" that the Mongol invasions had a profound impact on Japanese society and politics, leading to increased militarization and the rise of the samurai class. The Mongol invasions of Japan were a significant turning point in Japanese history, and they had far-reaching consequences for the development of Japanese society and politics. The fact that the Mongols tried to invade Japan twice, and were repelled both times, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Japanese people. The Mongols' failure to conquer Japan was a major setback for their empire, and it marked the beginning of a period of decline for the Mongol empire in East Asia.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Inoue Yasushi and academics from the University of Tokyo deliberately omitted the Mongol invasions from Japanese history textbooks, focusing instead on the country's internal power struggles. The Japanese government also played a significant role in suppressing this story, as it conflicted with their narrative of a unified and isolated Japan. Emperor Hirohito himself instructed educators to downplay the invasions, fearing it would undermine the country's pride and independence. A concrete reason for this suppression was the need to promote a sense of national unity and strength during the tumultuous 20th century. By erasing the Mongol invasions from history, the government and historians created a false narrative that Japan was never vulnerable to foreign threats, which was essential for maintaining morale during World War II.

The Ripple Effect

The failed Mongol invasions led to a significant increase in Japan's military spending and the development of its naval defenses. The Kamakura shogunate, which ruled Japan at the time, invested heavily in building a stronger navy and improving its coastal defenses. This, in turn, allowed Japan to protect its trade routes and maintain its economic independence. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, which is a direct descendant of the naval forces developed to counter the Mongol invasions. The Japanese government's decision to prioritize naval defense has had a lasting impact on the country's military strategy and foreign policy.

The Line That Says It All

The Mongol invasion fleet was destroyed by a typhoon on August 15, 1281, off the coast of Hirado Island, marking the end of the second and final attempt to conquer Japan.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century.