The Kamakura period (1185-1333) was a significant era in Japanese history marked by the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of the first shogunate. This period began after the Genpei War, which led to the defeat of the Taira clan by the Minamoto clan. The Minamoto leader, Minamoto no Yoritomo, became the first shogun, creating a military government in Kamakura. During the Kamakura period, Japan saw the development of new forms of art, literature, and philosophy, including the influence of Zen Buddhism. The period was characterized by a feudal system where land was granted to samurai in exchange for loyalty and military service. This era laid the foundation for future Japanese governance and culture.