The Mongol Invasions of Japan and their Legacy

The Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century had a profound impact on the country. The Mongol invasions were also the only severe threats to Japan from overseas invaders prior to Western threats in the second half of the 19th century. The Mongol invasions were an extension of Qubilai Qa’an’s plan to isolate the Southern Song dynasty from its trade network and undermine their ability to resist the Mongols. In the aftermath of the first Mongol invasion, a formal guard system was established to patrol the northern Kyushu shores in case of foreign invasion. The Mongol invasions created social problems in Japan. Apart from the social and political legacies, the Mongol invasions also etched a long-lasting legacy of isolationist fear and pride on the Japanese historical memory. Interest in the Mongol invasions was rejuvenated in the early 20th century to mobilize the nation for war as Japan began building an empire in Asia.