Minamoto no Yoritomo was a prominent Japanese military leader and the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, which marked the beginning of feudalism in Japan. Born in 1147, he played a crucial role in the Genpei War, leading the Minamoto clan to victory against the Taira clan, which ultimately established his power. As the first shogun of Japan, Yoritomo implemented significant political and military reforms that laid the groundwork for the samurai class's dominance in Japanese society. His leadership not only transformed the political landscape but also influenced the culture and governance of Japan for centuries to come.