Minamoto Yoritomo was a prominent Japanese military leader and the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, the first shogunate in Japan. Born in 1147, he played a crucial role in the Genpei War, a conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans. After his victory in 1185, he established a new government system that shifted power from the imperial court to military leaders. Yoritomo became the first shōgun in 1192, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. His leadership helped solidify the samurai class's influence and laid the groundwork for future shogunates. He died in 1199, leaving a lasting legacy in Japan.