The Minamoto leaders were a prominent clan in Japan during the late Heian period. They played a crucial role in the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of military governance. The clan's most notable leader, Minamoto no Yoritomo, became the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate in 1192, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. The Minamoto clan was known for its military prowess and strategic alliances. They often engaged in conflicts with rival clans, such as the Taira, leading to significant battles like the Genpei War. Their leadership laid the foundation for the feudal system that dominated Japan for centuries.