The great wave of Buddhism follows you, Shikken of Japan, Hojo Tokimune. Tokimune was only 33 when he died, but feudal Japan bore the stamp of his leadership for centuries after. In part, because of his deep investment in Zen, the sect became widespread among the samurai class during his lifetime and long after. Tokimune was more than just a great military leader, however, and was also a strong patron of Zen Buddhism, bringing notable Zen monks from China to Japan and endowing temples. As the threat of the Mongol Empire loomed over Japan for years, the samurai warrior class established itself as a formidable force and led all of Japan's defensive efforts, securing a legacy as one of the toughest warrior classes the world has ever known. This resulted in another invasion in 1281, which also failed – this time in part due to an unforeseen typhoon. Again, five more emissaries were sent, and again Tokimune had them all beheaded. These emissaries refused to leave without an audience with the Shikken, to which Tokimune responded by having them beheaded. After the Mongol Empire first attempted invasion in 1274 and was summarily defeated, it sent five emissaries to meet with Tokimune. Tokimune was known to rule with an iron fist. He is chiefly remembered for leading Japanese forces to victory against the invading Mongol Empire, as well as spreading Zen Buddhism throughout Japan and championing the Bushido way of life.
Hojo Tokimune, born in 1251, was the eighth Shikken (de facto ruler, or Shogun-regent) of Japan.