Mongol vs Japan: How Khan Army Was Defeated in Japan - Maps, Animation and Timelines

Mongol Invasion of Japan I Past to Future
This video presents Mongol Invasion of Japan: How the battle became such a glorious episode in Japanese culture.
The Mongol invasions of Japan, which took place in 1274 and 1281 CE, were major military efforts by Kublai Khan to conquer the Japanese archipelago. The Japanese, especially the samurai warriors bravely fought and successfully defended their shores against the Mongols. But it was also typhoon storms and kamikaze or “divine winds” that sank and drowned most of their enemy’s ships and men, hence protecting Japan from foreign conquest.
Diplomatic Opening
Half of China and Korea at the time had already been conquered by the huge empire of Mongols and their leader Kublai Khan looked to Japan for more tributes and vassaldom. Japan was rich in resources, especially in gold. Kublai Khan’s motive may have been to enhance his status or to eliminate the trade between Japan and the Mongol’s enemy in southern China, known as the Southern Song Dynasty (1125-1279 CE). The invasions can be viewed as the Mongol’s acts of revenge for the havoc that the wako (Japanese pirates) had been causing to East Asian coastlines and trade ships. Whatever the reasons, Khan’s approach was diplomacy precedes warfare.
The Great Khan sent a letter to Japan in 1268 CE expressing efforts to establish friendly relations, however, demanding tribute from Japan to the Mongol court. Zhao Liangbi, a Chinese ambassador was sent to Japan in 1270CE, followed by further letters and other ambassadors to foster an understanding between the two nations. But the Japanese did not know how to respond so they remained silent despite Khan’s diplomatic efforts. Perhaps they lacked experience in international relations as a result of a long isolation period, or they underestimated their Mongol conquerors.
The First Invasion (Bun’ei Campaign)
The Khan sent a fleet of 800-900 ships from Korea to Japan in early November 1274 CE, carrying an army of 16,600-40,000 Mongols, Chinese and Koreans. Tsushima and Iki Islands were two places to receive these invaders first. Tsushima, with a superior number of men, fought with stiff resistance. However, the Mongols still won the battle and slaughtered many dwellers of Tsushima island.
Meanwhile, the defensive force at Iki fought valiantly but eventually received no reinforcements from the mainland, and was defeated by the Mongolian army. About 1,000 Japanese soldiers were killed there.
Hakata Bay was the next destination for the invasion fleet. The Japanese prepared for the battle but the total defense force was still small at about 5000 men.
Diplomatic Interval
Having decided to return to diplomacy, the Khan then sent another embassy to Japan in 1275CE demanding Japan to pay tribute. The shogunate remained silent and beheaded the Mongol ambassadors. He came to the realization, Japan would not be conquered without force. However, Kublai Khan was involved in battles against the Song in southern China, so it took him 2 years to set sights on Japan again. While the Khan was occupied with the Song, the Japanese government strengthened its arm force.
The Second Invasion (Koan Campaign)
The Mongol’s second invasion was much bigger than their first one. This time, thanks to his recent defeat of the Song and acquisition of their navy, there were 4,400 ships and around 100,000 men, again a mix of Mongol, Chinese, and Korean warriors.
The first Japanese territory to receive the Mongols was, once again, Tsushima and Iki Islands on 9 and 14 June, followed by an attack on Hakata Bay on 23 June 1281CE. This time, the Japanese defended their territory more effectively with fortification walls. The Mongols were obliged to withdraw to Iki Island.
Southern China sent reinforcements, with about 40000 men and joined with the army of the Khan to push deeper into Japanese territory. On 12 August, the fleet attacked Takashima. Fierce fights lasted several weeks and the Mongols had to cope with supply problems. On 14 August, the weather intervened again when a typhoon destroyed most of the invaders and wrecked ships. Half to two-thirds of the Mongol fleet was killed, washed up and left stranded on the beaches of Imari Bay. After this battle, Japan's victory was confirmed.
What do you think about this victory?
Tell us in the comment section below.
► Thanks for watching!
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#PasttoFuture

[@fireice3820]

Interesting video to watch before going into Ghost of Tsushima.

[@historyonmaps]

That is interesting

[@davidpereira177]

If it wasn't for ghost of tsushima I wouldnt be here

[@ryanmcswain1143]

I love history but it is because of ghost of Tsushima that I’m here I’ve never really gotten into any Japan history pre ww2

[@Kairax]

@@ryanmcswain1143 Well, now you know that whole game is bullshit. Tsushima was slaughtered by mongols and there was no resistance killing khan.

[@MrBangijal]

@@Kairax The game itself wasnt really punctuating historical accuracy anyway

[@echos9396]

Good to know that sucker punch will be making a sequel to ghost as the Mongol army invaded twice.

[@historyonmaps]

Good to know about that

[@buck5021]

I don't know if it's confirmed that they will make a sequel.. but the chances are not zero.. right?? Infamous and Sly cooper got sequels after all...

[@rumuelnathanael8043]

What do you mean sequel? The game took place in the second invasion (1281). If they make the second game it should be prequel (1274).

[@Frostbite_001]

Rumuel Nathanael maybe they can make it that after your victory at Tsushima against khotun khan they make you and your army travel to the mainland japan where it is conquered by mongols, Koreans and Chinese and since japan is three main islands there can be three main boss fights with many meager boss fights and quests that lead up to the ending of the game

[@zizoo6131]

Rumuel Nathanael Wtf are you talking about GOT takes place in 1274

[@joshualopez4146]

Legend says that Jin Sakai still wanders the beaches of Tsushima

[@gamerboi8312]

My fellow Ghost of tsushima players get ready for history lesson 🤣🤣 please have a seat.

[@aliabdulsalam7803]

😂😂😂yeah i just wanted to know if it was real🤣🤣🤣

[@mildbreeze1982]

There are many natural disaster in Japan, earthquake, volcanoes, typhoon, etc... We Japanese have coexisted with them since old ancient era. They sometimes hit us with huge damage like tsunami in 2011, but sometimes defend us like this episode.

[@historyonmaps]

That is an interesting fact

[@iicii77]

This respect of nature is really something we should all show as humans, yes nature is dangerous and should be respected and appreciated in good and bad times

[@user-vh2ex1xj5s]

神風くらいしか例なくね

[@kaisermuto]

Japanese samurai fought well. The kamikaze story was not main fact of Japanese victory more over samurai fought well with sharper sword than Mongolian blunt sword.

[@aviencloud4239]

Eh I still highly doubt Mongolians could conquer Japan even without the natural disaster

[@D-J-Q]

Ghost of Tsushima brought me here.

[@PalebobUK]

Same here

[@p3rk391]

Same

[@matthewpalazzola1965]

Same

[@khalid_0tb798]

All this Japanese vectories bcus of JIN And his friends 🔥

[@michaelal20]

great job. been looking for an easy to understand explanation of these events.

[@historyonmaps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eshoandy]

Thank you for this

[@diekakyoin678]

Great video enjoyed it 👍🏽

[@historyonmaps]

Glad you enjoyed

[@JL00212]

Great video, definitely deserves more views! However, it would be nice if the change in scenes flowed more smoothly

[@manne420blazeit]

Should deserve more views for sure

[@memeteams3xpassivegamer726]

Japan got super lucky with the storm.

[@historyonmaps]

Yes, it is right

[@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462]

Remember: If the winds are against you it's plain luck. If the winds are on your side it's divine providence.

[@heriksalvadorianreacts6646]

@@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462 I Though The Wind Represents Jin's Father Spirit.

[@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462]

@@heriksalvadorianreacts6646 I'm talking historic revisioning lol. But the games use of wind as a guide is a great feature.

[@tcec3496]

According to recent research, Samurai beat Mongol and Korea force with 10 times more soldiers than Japan without storm. Storm was just a excuse for defeat.

[@user-lo5gv2rw8q]

good effort

[@historyonmaps]

Thank you so much 😀

[@wowneat402]

Great video! Loved the animations, I just made a similar video, more in relation to how it relates to Ghost of Tsushima though. Subbed!

[@historyonmaps]

I'll check it out!

[@gamingrex2930]

Wow, your video quality is fucking amazing. You deserved at least 100,000 views.

[@historyonmaps]

Glad that you like it

[@yellobird5682]

The Japanese named the wind of victory the kamikaze＝The wind of God

[@brandonmimms4029]

This makes sense why many Japanese believed in spiritual powers of the storms and winds surrounding the island, or Kamikaze

[@aviencloud4239]

Out of fear, out of respect, I mean if it’s Sth you cannot control, pray for them, that’s human nature

[@dashkhuuerdenebileg4023]

This video needs more views!

[@historyonmaps]

Thanks

[@davidmoore5004]

I wish they would make a movie of this!

[@hermannboyen5392]

I don't know what significant these invasion really had. Japan had been isolated itself since 10th century

[@purnamapurnama828]

I think susano showd up and create storm and sunk those Mongol ships hahahaha

[@evesseie1012]

Watching this after getting the platinum trophy from Ghost of Tsushima.. lol

[@AJ6spd]

I'm 5 trophies away from my platinum

[@finnbarmccready3383]

i learned about this invasion like 3 days before getting ghost of tsushima and realizing what it was about

[@Kaizer177]

Should make a video game on Temujin.... before he became Khan

[@Arsenegelion]

Can't wait for the sequel and hope Jin Sakai make a come back!

[@heriksalvadorianreacts6646]

First A Dlc About What Happens In Iki's Island and The The Sequel Focusing On The Mainland.

[@maxcanonstunner6532]

@@heriksalvadorianreacts6646 how you know that?

[@k1ngtr3ygaming82]

@@maxcanonstunner6532 he was right about iki lol

[@Rebel_Railroad_Productions]

Nice video. Also, in a way, the Mongol invasion of Japan was kind of history repeating itself. An example being when Persia invaded Greece. Just like with the Mongols, the Persians tried to invade Greece twice but failed both times.

[@EchoVortex713]

But different reason.

[@JeremiahKlarman]

The Mongols came over ready for war and died in a tornado.

[@hurleegaming1946]

However, Mongolia occupied half of the world

[@Orgil.]

@@hurleegaming1946 80 % of the OLD WORLD

[@doctorbrad]

Interesting video to watch before going into Stronghold Warlords

[@Trainer_Hareth]

The real reason why Japan won was because the weather loves anime

[@yikes6969]

cringe

[@didier.gerost.07]

divine winds !! magic !

[@gnupf]

I must be the only one who thinks that the "music" in the background is not exactly helping in telling the story.

[@Xerophyte_Editz]

noice

[@spartanwarrior1614]

The Japanese are proud people they are a truly fascinating culture the world can learn a lot from the Japanese people and culture. The story reminds me of the 300 Spartans that fought against a larger force and destroy the moral of the Persian Army just rumored to be against a million men and 300 Hundred stood against a tyrant as free men wich there sacrifice led to the rise of an Empire!!

[@otavio.a.8.r]

But here it seems that Japan was very lucky because of the climate. without it, they may not have been successful. Kamikaze - the divine wind was what really won the battle, or made it so much easier for them.

[@tlgus1022]

기록에 의하면 한국인들이 전방으로 구성된 군인들은 하루만에 일본군을 전멸 시켜 해당 지역의 관리자를 살육하였다고 합니다 영화나 에니메이션이나 게임은 사실과는 다릅니다

[@Fenrisulfr-yh5yr]

WOW!!!!!!! ☀️🐺🌙🐺

[@grunt117]

5:20 I can hear Total War: Shogun 2 music

[@devries9528]

Wish,it comes out in Movie..

[@origamiverse7110]

NO MORE SLEEP IN HISTORY CLASS .... I CAN SAY THAT YOU WILL GAIN LOT OF SUBSCRIBERS

[@historyonmaps]

That you, glad that you like it

[@origamiverse7110]

@@historyonmaps Thanks

[@shadowraider964]

Ghost of tsushima made me look this up

[@cheliu9140]

0:00 Gud map :)))

[@JashAnon]

Damn so this is what my ancestors did back then in Japan and now here sitting eating McDonalds watching this video with no hobbies at all... nice.

[@ronaldmcdonaldtrump4446]

Easy times make for weak men

[@brentcuenca9989]

Where's jin sakai's entrance?

[@Razorx-bq8rw]

Lord Sakai

[@medamineidrissi4726]

Who is the name of mongol warrior in 2:30

[@larshitchcock3142]

Kublai Kahn: Surrender and pay tribute to us! Raijin: Hold my sake...

[@Orgil.]

who is Raijin ?

[@larshitchcock3142]

@@Orgil. Japanese god of thunder

[@Orgil.]

@@larshitchcock3142 oh ok

[@jeffbiduga8627]

History of Sweden. 🇸🇪🥺Please

[@joeblack9525]

Mongol emperor was really unhappy with Japanese ghosting him)

[@TuanVan-ne1fg]

Seems more credit is given to the tsunami then the samerai.

[@matthewmann8969]

Japanese had the water, wind, earth, sand, dirt, mud, dust, And plant powers on there sides

[@Emilechen]

but a weak navy,

[@devilpupbear09]

All it's missing is some Hans Zimmer music

[@appv7436]

God is in on the Japan’s side for sure back then.

[@jandoerlidoe3412]

The Japanese must have had occult knowledge that allowed them to create those storms to destroy the enemy fleet.

[@lawrencedanao7648]

The Mongols only got themselves to blame. Don't they have advisors telling them not sail during typhoon season 😕

[@hildaenjoyer8862]

Considering how the Mongols treated others who beheaded their diplomats, Japan can count it's lucky stars they didn't get conquered.

[@delmont2793]

If mongols had more intention to conqure the japan, it would had been done. just few battles and mongols retreat?? so lucky for Japan. even koreans surrendered after fought mongols for almost 40years...

[@lupimali9504]

They appreciate the insuperability to conquer Japan in "The History of Yuan Dynasty (元史 巻一 百六十八 列傳第五十五)": This history book says as follows: "Unless we encounter a storm, and successfully reach its coast, it must be so laborious to subdue Japan. It is because the land of WA is vast, and enemy soldiers are supposed to come flocking from all quarters. Thus, we are to be attacked on every side. At the time, any military aids will not be provided to our army. In case we are driven into a disadvantageous situation, we cannot expect newly conscripted soldiers to fly over the sea to us." (縱不遇風、可到彼岸、倭國地広、徒衆猥多、彼兵四集、我帥無援、万一不利、欲發救兵、其能飛渡耶) If the land of Japan had been contiguous to either Chinese mainland or Mongol, it might have been conquered in the result. No one knows ... At any rate, it is an impregnable guard to be surrounded by the sea on all sides.

[@matamarkovic4542]

Like who come here because the game ghost of tsushima

[@hedonepicurea4327]

Remaining silent with a hostile party is typically the better option.

[@Wawan-ur2lb]

Mongol lawan Jepang = Brutal lawan Sadis......AMBYAR

[@youthotuate]

YINGHUA KIDS WERE YALL AT LIKE THIS COMMENT NOW AHHH

[@katfrosty8089]

AYYYYYE

[@maxcanonstunner6532]

I bet you made this video because of Ghost of Tsushima.

[@deltaboukensha]

Godly winds protected Japan rigth there

[@HIHIHELLOOOOOOO]

PLEASEEEEEE...Korean(actually south) always say that Korea was NOT included in the Mongol Empire!! Plz... Rather, (at that time)they considered Korea special because Korea survived until the end despite a long battle with the Mongol Empire. Also, Mongolia and Korea still like each other.

[@keangsreng5860]

The next is Khmer Empire?

[@sadsoup6883]

The mongols should've stayed on the islands the 2nd time around and either wait for japan to come attack them or send only a small portion to check the new fortifications and then decide the easiest point to attack

[@boxcuber]

the mongols had no chance what so ever the samurais are clearly too strong for them they would never win japanese had better archers and better swordsman and better generals.. im suprise japan didnt follow them back to their wasteland and tried invading them..

[@MrShadowofthewind]

Is not honorable, is what i think.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

don’t invade during typhoon season. problem solved

[@traviskuntz7503]

Ekspecially

[@temuulmunkhtur]

We'll get you next time Nippon

[@jasonrobinson7346]

Rip lord Shimara if u killed him

[@benstewart1096]

I hope jins ok

[@kal6118]

Khotun Khan!

[@maxcanonstunner6532]

@@kal6118 I am Jin Sakai.

[@tocororo]

Note to self: Do not invade Japan during Typhoon season. 😌

[@holamoco]

Ghost of Tsushima 😍👍

[@user-yj7mw9od3k]

japan LUCKY-

[@hanjuro860]

According to history. Too many ships built in very short time. Also in very poor condition.

[@delmont2793]

If mongols had more intention to conqure the japan, it would had been done. just few battles and mongols retreat?? so lucky for Japan. even koreans surrendered after fought mongols for almost 40years...

[@Emilechen]

Mongol homeland gest invaded by the Chinese later, so they don't hve the ability to invde Korea or Japan anymore,

[@Swagger0139]

They won by getting lucky and they still killed Jin sakai

[@tolasian9793]

Another issue, the samurai were majorly outnumbered.... it just seems like you aren't doing any actual research....

[@Singgen]

Wow. You defenitly made much effort in making of it. Btw, majority of invading force were not Mongols but Koreans and Chinese. The leading general himself was a Korean.

[@historyonmaps]

Mongol even used warriors from Middle East

[@purevjavterbish33]

@@historyonmaps I am mongol writing from Mongolia.This empire was most strong military power in human history,much strong than Romans,Soviet Union & USA.Only miracle saved Europe,Egypt,India and Japan from mongol occupation.

[@smokemortal6699]

@@purevjavterbish33mongols were fighting weak middle east and europe after the crusades, and most of their forces were tukic tatar and so on, it wasn’t just the mongols

[@EchoVortex713]

@@smokemortal6699 How Mongols conquered them in the first place ? You’re wrong ancient tatars were Mongols .

[@EchoVortex713]

Source ? I know there were many Koreans but only Mongol and Chinese leaded the army . Koreans were like a meat shield .

[@Pazzystar]

hahaha korean 'warrior' ahahaha dun exist just like unicorns hahaha

[@user-se3uw3mt3j]

God did not allow japan to be defeated

[@kaisermuto]

Mongolians could not bring their horses on the beach of Hakata. There preserved many document picture of the battle of Mongolian troops and Kamakura-bushi (samurai) . Bushi fought with armor on a horse. In first battle, bushis did not know about fighting against Mongolian troops. There was no manners for battle. In European Knight manners was very similar to Japanese bushi-samurai manners for fighting. In first time samurai must introduce himself to enemy. But when high class samurai saluted to enemy Mongolians, they attacked with rain of arrows to samurai. There existed no battle manners. Gradually Japanese Bushi understood how to fight to Mongolian. And it was night, invaded into enemy's ships and attacked Mongolians with Japan sword. Mongolians grasped Japan sword by leather glove. Because Mongolian sword and European sword were blunt sword, so they thought Japan sword must be same as Mongolian sword. When they grasped bushi's sword, their fingers cut down. On the ship, it sounded agonizing cries. In the narrow place, Mongolian speedy horses attack was to no avail.

[@Emilechen]

basically Japanese navy seems to be useless,

[@hircine92h]

More like the weather and storms were victorious for Japan. If not, then the Mongols would've swallowed all of Japan just like the rest. Luckily its an archipelago of islands.

[@nabilghafar9150]

Monguls didnt study the weather of japan first.

[@gidget330]

Japan is the quiet kid

[@clyde1255]

Japan is rich in resources? WTF? It is literally a country whose culture is defined by the scarcity of resources.

[@Emilechen]

Japan is rich in sliver mineral,

[@medamineidrissi4726]

I née for a réponse

[@tolasian9793]

If you want an actual video explaining this in better detail (and not false half right trash explanations) then check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXfbc517l6qDjpI

[@MrBbayasa]

What about my country attack again

[@tiktokgirl007]

Japan should take God

[@crosstore2343]

би Монгол

[@GreatHikariShop]

The only nation can conquer Japan is only one, that's US and Japan defeated twice, one by Perry then by Douglas MacArthur.

[@ryogahibiki7806]

Japan won the fight against the mongols but they was just defending themselves... Which country was the one that defeated the mongols definitely?? China? Korea?

[@aaronngoo]

Vietnam defeated Mongolia 3 times.

[@Emilechen]

Chinese Song Dynasty has killed the Mongke Khan, Chinese Ming Dynasty has occupied the capital of northern Yuan Mongol empire in Buir Lake war, Chinese Qing Dynasty has destroyed the entier Mongol Dzungur empire,

[@Emilechen]

​@@aaronngooVietnam only won in defensive war, but the only one which manges to invde the Mongol homeland is China,

[@tolasian9793]

You make it seem like your history is out of place.... not because Japan was isolated, It's because they literally couldn't care about the Mongolians. They executed those ambassadors and they definitely wanted war

[@hurleegaming1946]

However, Mongolia occupied half of the world

[@Emilechen]

meanwhile medieval Japan can't even conquer a Korea,

[@X5mc]

Easy win for japan 😈😈😈😈

[@Orgil.]

Ez gg noob

[@pillagerthehunterpiglin229]

mongols empire invaded iki and tsushima first is tsushima its a fail and iki its a fail again

[@Jurishi]

Wow and this fights comes from way before old times, yet other asians blame Japan if they were the only bad people who attacked them first when in reality Yuan people attacked and touch and create hatred in Japanese first. But yet asian only remember the recent events only and they don’t think further that Japan didn’t started this bS and all in history matter old and new.

[@Emilechen]

they blame WWII fascist Japan, not medieval Japan, befotr Meiji Modernization, Japan was small and isolated, with a wesk navy, China didn't dislike them, but just ignore them,

[@agridley1116]

Oh no no no Aaaaaaaahahahaha Oh look like the TOP OF HIS HEAD! A ha haaaaaa Look at his lips

[@Vatronn]

Reee

[@kanru5330]

Ps4lfe