Hōjō Yoshitoki

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Hōjō Yoshitoki

Role / Field:

Second Hōjō Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, ruling from 1205 to his death in 1224.

Born:

1163

Died:

1224-07-01

Century / Era:

1163s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Hōjō Yoshitoki (北条 義時; 1163 – July 1, 1224) was the second Hōjō shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate and head of the Hōjō clan. He was the second son of Hōjō Tokimasa. He was shikken from the abdication of his father Tokimasa in 1205 until his death in 1224. Hōjō Yoshitoki was born in 1163, who was the second son of Hōjō Tokimasa and his wife, who was a daughter of Itō Sukechika. At the time of his birth, he had an older brother, Hōjō Munetoki, and an older sister, Hōjō Masako.

Career & Major Achievements

Later on in the decade, he would have another brother, Hōjō Tokifusa, and a sister whose name remains unknown, but their birth dates are not known. The Hōjō clan was at that time in control of Izu, and Yoshitoki, being a Hōjō, was also a descendant of the Taira clan and also of the imperial family. At that time, the Taira, under Taira no Kiyomori, had consolidated their power in Kyoto, the capital, and expelled the Minamoto clan, their rival. Minamoto no Yoshitomo, the head of the clan, was executed, while his sons who were not executed were exiled or ordered into monasteries. The cloistered emperor, Emperor Go-Shirakawa, as well as his son, the emperor at that time (who was a puppet), Emperor Nijō, were also in Kyoto.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Minamoto no Yoritomo, Yoshitomo's heir, was exiled to Izu, which was where the Hōjō domains were. (His other brothers, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Minamoto no Noriyori were ordered into monasteries near Kyoto). Yoshitoki was from the first day of his life expected to succeed his father as the head of the Hōjō clan in Izu. He had a very close relationships with his siblings, especially his sister Masako. In 1179, Masako fell in love with the young Minamoto exile, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and they wed.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1163: Birth of Hōjō Yoshitoki — Second Hōjō Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, ruling from 1205 to his death in 1224.
2. 1179: 1179 Milestone — In 1179, Masako fell in love with the young Minamoto exile, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and they wed.
3. 1205: 1205 Milestone — He was shikken from the abdication of his father Tokimasa in 1205 until his death in 1224.
4. 1224 (1224-07-01): Passing & Historical Legacy — Hōjō Yoshitoki passed away on 1224-07-01, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hōjō Yoshitoki

True or False: “Did Hōjō Yoshitoki's sister, Masako, remain politically active after her brother became regent?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, Masako remained deeply involved in politics, notably helping to uncover the plot against Yoshitoki and assisting with succession matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hōjō Yoshitoki