Hōjō Tokimasa was a prominent Japanese samurai and the first shikken, or regent, of the Hōjō clan. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate during the late 12th century. Tokimasa was instrumental in consolidating power and managing the affairs of the shogunate, which was the military government of Japan at the time. Born in 1138, Tokimasa was the son of Hōjō Tokimasa and became a key figure in the Genpei War, which led to the rise of the Minamoto clan. His leadership helped shape the political landscape of Japan, and he served as regent from 1203 until his retirement in 1224.