Hojo Regents

Hōjō clan 北条氏
The emblem (mon) of the Hōjō clan
Home province	Izu Sagami
Parent house	Taira clan
Titles	Shogun Various others
Founder	Hōjō Tokimasa
Final ruler	Hōjō Takatoki
Founding year	12th century
Dissolution	1333
Ruled until	1333

The Hōjō clan (北条氏, hōjō shi) in the history of Japan was a family who controlled the hereditary title of shikken (regent) of the Kamakura shogunate between 1203 and 1333. Despite the title, in practice the family wielded actual governmental power during this period compared to both the Kamakura shoguns, or the Imperial Court in Kyoto, whose authority was largely symbolic. The Hōjō are known for fostering Zen Buddhism and for leading the successful opposition to the Mongol invasions of Japan. Resentment at Hōjō rule eventually culminated in the overthrow of the clan and the establishment of the Ashikaga shogunate.

The Hōjō were an offshoot of the Minamoto's arch-enemy, the Taira of the Kammu branch, originating in Izu Province. They gained power by supporting the extermination of the Taira by intermarrying with and supporting Minamoto no Yoritomo in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Just 18 years after, the Hōjō usurped power with Yoritomo's death.

Hōjō Tokimasa helped Minamoto no Yoritomo, a son-in-law, defeat the forces of the Taira to become Japan's first Shogun. Hōjō Masako, Tokimasa's daughter, was married to Yoritomo. After the death of Yoritomo, Tokimasa became shikken (regent) to the child Shogun, thus effectively transferring control of the shogunate to his clan permanently. The Minamoto and even Imperial Princes became puppets and hostages of the Hōjō.