Which warrior founded Japan’s first shogunate after the Genpei War?

Minamoto no Yoritomo founded Japan’s first shogunate after the Genpei War.

Yoritomo defeated the Taira clan and established a military government at Kamakura. In 1185, he secured authority over provincial military administration, and in 1192 Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s successor appointed him seii taishōgun, the title later associated with Japan’s shoguns.

Yoritomo’s government created a durable warrior-based political structure that existed alongside the imperial court in Kyoto. His victories were supported by relatives and military commanders, including his half-brother Minamoto no Yoshitsune, whom he later pursued as a political rival.

A common mix-up is calling Yoritomo the first person ever to hold the title shogun. Earlier commanders had held related titles, but Yoritomo is generally identified as the founder of Japan’s first enduring shogunate.