Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Invasion of Mongols

Invasion of Mongols

蒙古襲来文永の役弘安の役文永・弘安の役元寇
alternative words: Mongol invasion, Bunei no eki, Koan no eki, Bunei Koan no eki, Mouko shurai, Moko shurai
keywords: war
related topics: Kamakura shogunate , Nichiren , Kamakura period , Dazaifu , Hojo Tokimune , Kamikaze
related web sites: http://www.lib.nakamura-u.ac.jp/e-lib/sato/head.htm
explanation: Kublai Khan requested Japan to become his vassal state but no answer. In October 1274, 40,000 Mongol and Korean soldiers appeared on Hakata bay. First, Japanese were retreating but in afternoon, thanks to reinforcements, the front was frozen. Mongols retreated to their ships in night but a fierce gale sunk them. In June 1281, 140,000 men with reinforcements of Chinese troops arrived at the same point But this time due to stone walls, they are unable to debark while another gale sunk them.