Physical Maps of Japan
Heian Period (794-1185)
A Map of Japan in the early 1100s: The beginning of the 12th Century in Japan was the turning point for imperial rule, and just before the beginning of the turbulent, focus-less centuries to come.
Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
A Map of Japan in the late 1100s: Once the decline of the imperial family, and the East-West division of the provinces was initiated, Japan plunged into its unique four centuries of 'feudal anarchy'.
Muromachi Period (1392-1490)
A Map of Western Japan in the mid 1400s: In light of the Mongolian invasion of 1281, and the increased importance of Chinese commodities, Kyoto, the imperial capital, and its surrounds became a massive trading hub. As one can see, its landscape accomodates the centralisation of trade from southern Sakai all the way to northern Tsuruga.
Sengoku Period (1490-1573)
A Map of Kyoto in the early 1500s: With the influx of trade and the growing division of the warlords, Kyoto was consistently the centre of revolts, attacks and banditry. To overcome this, machigumi (neighbourhood groups) formed themselves as autonomous governments and police forces; the north became the centre of the nobility and wealthy, the south a bustling commercial district.
A Map of the Hojo expansion in the mid 1500s: Hojo and Mori were two of the most amibitious and hegemonic groups of warlords. In this map, one can see the rapid expansion of the Hojo domain.
A Map of the Mori expansion in the mid 1500s: At the same time as the Hojo warlords, the Mori warlords conducted a ruthless expansion of their territories, an expansion which aided in the unification of Japan a half century later.
A Map of Warlord Influence around 1560: By 1560, the warlords of Japan had been battling each other for a greater part of four centuries; in this map, one can see the dominance of certain factions and devastation of others.