Kamikaze (typhoon)

Quick Facts: Who was Kamikaze (typhoon)?

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Kamikaze (typhoon)

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Mythical typhoons credited with saving Japan from Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The kamikaze (Japanese: 神風, lit. 'divine wind') were winds or storms that are said to have saved Japan from two Mongol fleets under Kublai Khan. These fleets attacked Japan in 1274 and again in 1281. Due to the growth of Zen Buddhism among Samurai at the time, these were the first events where the typhoons were described as "divine wind" as much by their timing as by their force. Since Man'yōshū, the word kamikaze has been used as a Makurakotoba of waka introducing Ise Grand Shrine.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The term "kamikaze" is the native Japanese kun'yomi reading of the characters, and the main reading of them that was used more throughout history was the on'yomi (Sinitic) "shinpu". The latter fleet, composed of "more than four thousand ships bearing nearly 140,000 men", is said to have been the largest attempted naval invasion in history whose scale was only recently eclipsed in modern times by the D-Day invasion of allied forces into Normandy in 1944. The size of the fleet is often disputed by modern historians, however. In the first invasion, the Mongols successfully conquered the Japanese settlements on Tsushima and Iki islands. When they landed on Hakata Bay, however, they met fierce resistance by the armies of samurai clans.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Despite conquering several miles inland, resistance and/or resupply caused them to withdraw to their ships. In the midst of the withdrawal, they were hit by a typhoon. Most of their ships sank and many soldiers drowned. The first incident took place in autumn 1274 when a Mongol fleet of 500 to 900 ships carrying 30,000 to 40,000 men attacked Japan. While in Hakata Bay, Kyushu, a typhoon hit the fleet.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1274: 1274 Milestone — These fleets attacked Japan in 1274 and again in 1281.
2. 1944: 1944 Milestone — The latter fleet, composed of "more than four thousand ships bearing nearly 140,000 men", is said to have been the largest attempted naval invasion in history whose scale was only recently eclipsed in modern times by the D-Day invasion of allied forces into Normandy in 1944.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kamikaze (typhoon)

True or False: “The term 'kamikaze' was only used to describe natural typhoons during the Mongol invasions of Japan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While initially describing natural storms, the term was later adopted as nationalist propaganda for suicide attacks by Japanese pilots during World War II.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al-Dhahabi — Historical peer (Born in 1274) (1274): Pioneering Syrian Sunni historian, biographer, and hadith scholar.
• Bonaventure — Historical peer (Died in 1274) (1274): Influential Franciscan theologian and philosopher, known as the Seraphic Doctor.
• Abdülmecid II — Historical peer (Died in 1944) (1944): Last Ottoman Caliph and prominent Turkish aesthete, head of the Osmanoğlu family.
• Agustín Barrios — Historical peer (Died in 1944) (1944): Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, celebrated for his prolific works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kamikaze (typhoon)