Hōjō Sadatoki

Quick Facts: Who was Hōjō Sadatoki?

Subject:

Hōjō Sadatoki

Known for:

Ninth Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate, ruling de facto Japan from 1284 to his death.

Born:

1272-01-14

Died:

1311-12-06

Century / Era:

1272s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Hōjō Sadatoki (北条 貞時; January 14, 1272 – December 6, 1311) was the ninth shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate (reigned 1284–1301), and tokusō (de facto ruler of Japan) from his appointment as regent until his death. Sadatoki was the son of Hōjō Tokimune, the eighth regent of the Kamakura shogunate, and Lady Horiuchi, who later became known as Kakusan-ni. His mother came from the Adachi clan. His wet nurse was the wife of Taira no Yoritsuna. Sadatoki became a shikken at age 12 upon the death of his father in 1284.

Career & Major Achievements

One of Sadatoki's advisors was Taira no Yoritsuna. The Hōjō clan had variously defeated many rival families, leaving only the Adachi clan, with whom the Hōjōs were allies. However, a plot by Adachi Yasumori to usurp the Hōjō resulted in Sadatoki authorizing Taira no Yoritsuna to attack the Adachi. It is possible Taira no Yoritsuna may have falsified the charges against Yasumori due to political rivalry. The attack occurred in November 1285 and is known as the Shimotsuki incident.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It was fought near the Adachi residence, and the Adachi were caught unaware. The fighting lasted five hours and Yasumori was forced to commit suicide, along with his family and many supporters. Over 500 died in all, and the Adachi family was almost exterminated. Adachi Yasumori was Sadatoki's father's brother-in-law. Sadatoki's soldiers killed Taira no Yoritsuna and 90 of his followers in the Heizen Gate Incident (平禅門の乱, Heizenmon no Ran) in 1293.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1272 (1272-01-14): Birth of Hōjō Sadatoki — Ninth Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate, ruling de facto Japan from 1284 to his death.
2. 1284: 1284 Milestone — Sadatoki became a shikken at age 12 upon the death of his father in 1284.
3. 1285: 1285 Milestone — The attack occurred in November 1285 and is known as the Shimotsuki incident.
4. 1293: 1293 Milestone — Sadatoki's soldiers killed Taira no Yoritsuna and 90 of his followers in the Heizen Gate Incident (平禅門の乱, Heizenmon no Ran) in 1293.
5. 1311 (1311-12-06): Passing & Historical Legacy — Hōjō Sadatoki passed away on 1311-12-06, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hōjō Sadatoki

True or False: “Hōjō Sadatoki was the first person to rule as a *tokusō* (de facto ruler) of Japan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he held this title, it was not the first instance; historical power struggles often saw de facto rulers before him.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Emperor Go-Saga — Contemporary (Died in 1272) (1272): 88th Emperor of Japan; reigned 1242–1246, known as 'Later Emperor Saga'.
• Henry III of England — Contemporary (Died in 1272) (1272): King of England, whose reign saw the limitation of royal power by the barons.
• Hōjō Morotoki — Contemporary (Died in 1311) (1311): Tenth Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a key figure in late medieval Japanese politics.
• Abul Fazl — Shared historical date (01-14 · Born) (1551): Pioneering Mughal historian, writer, and Grand Vizier of Emperor Akbar's court.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Shared historical date (01-14 · Died) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Afonso I of Portugal — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1185): The first King of Portugal, founder of the independent Portuguese Kingdom.
• Agnes Moorehead — Shared historical date (12-06 · Born) (1900): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
• Al-Nasir Muhammad — Historical peer (Born in 1284) (1284): Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, known for his extensive, though turbulent, rule across several decades.
• Alfonso X of Castile — Historical peer (Died in 1284) (1284): King of Castile and León, known as 'the Wise,' patron of science and law.
• Ibn Kathir — Historical peer (Born in 1301) (1301): Leading Sunni scholar, renowned for Quranic exegesis and universal history.
• 1272 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1272
• January 14 (01-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 14
• 1311 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1311
• December 6 (12-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Hōjō Sadatoki