Japan’s Kamakura infuriated Kublai Khan, ruler of the vast Mongol empire. They defied his demand for surrender by beheading some of his emissaries. The proud Mongol emperor was incapable of taking any form of “no” for an answer. In 1281, he organized an armada with some 140,000 warriors to annihilate the Kamakura. Against such a mighty force, Japan had nil chance for victory in battle. A wall constructed around Hakata Bay in northern Kyushu and attacks by smaller Japanese boats could only stall the Mongols from landing ashore. Of incredibly good luck for Japan, more defense would not be necessary. A typhoon wiped out nearly the entire fleet. This typhoon is called the kamikaze (“divine wind”). It is this kamizake that Japan’s World War II suicide pilots, who tried to stop another massive invading force, were named after.
Today, the Mongols are invading Japan in a different arena. Click here to learn more.
Tags: against-all-odds, armada, japan, kamikaze, kublai khan, mongols, sumo
