Unfurling History: The Scrolls of Mongol Invasion (Moko Shurai Ekotoba)
When we imagine the fierce battles of the samurai, our mental images are often shaped by a single, definitive source: the Moko Shurai Ekotoba, or the “Scrolls of the Mongol Invasion.” For travel enthusiasts and history buffs exploring Japan, understanding this masterpiece is key to unlocking the chaotic and heroic atmosphere of the Kamakura period. It is more than just art; it is a war diary painted in blood and ink.
Introduction
In the late 13th century, the seemingly unstoppable Mongol Empire set its sights on Japan. The resulting conflicts in 1274 (the Battle of Bun’ei) and 1281 (the Battle of Koan) were pivotal moments that defined the nation’s identity. While written records exist, the most vivid account comes from a set of illustrated handscrolls commissioned by a samurai named Takezaki Suenaga. These scrolls provide the primary visual record of samurai armor, weapons, and fighting styles of the era, offering a window into the past that no text could replicate.
The Origins: A Samurai’s Receipt
Unlike many national treasures commissioned by emperors or shoguns, the Moko Shurai Ekotoba has a surprisingly humble and bureaucratic origin. It was commissioned by Takezaki Suenaga, a gokenin (vassal) of the Shogunate from Higo Province (modern-day Kumamoto Prefecture).
Suenaga was not fighting solely for honor; he was fighting for a paycheck. In the feudal system, samurai were expected to be rewarded with land or titles based on their performance in battle. However, after the 1274 invasion, the Kamakura Shogunate was overwhelmed with claims and slow to dispense rewards.
Suenaga commissioned these scrolls roughly between 1275 and 1293 to serve as a pictorial affidavit—essentially a visual receipt—of his bravery and deeds. He wanted to prove to the authorities that he was on the front lines, bleeding for the country, and deserving of compensation. The text accompanying the illustrations details his specific movements, his wounds, and the witnesses who saw him fight.
The Legend and the “Divine Wind”
The scrolls depict the brutal reality of the Mongol invasions. We see the samurai, accustomed to ritualized one-on-one combat, struggling against the regimented group tactics and superior technology of the Mongol-led Yuan forces.
The Exploding Shell
One of the most famous scenes in the scroll shows a samurai horse rearing back in terror as a projectile explodes in the air. This is believed to be a tetsuhau, a ceramic bomb filled with gunpowder and shrapnel—one of the earliest visual depictions of an explosive weapon in history.
The Kamikaze
The scrolls also indirectly touch upon the legend of the Kamikaze or “Divine Wind.” While the artwork focuses on human combat, the historical context is that massive typhoons decimated the Mongol fleets during both invasion attempts. This reinforced the concept found in ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki that Japan was a Shinkoku (Land of the Gods), protected by divine intervention.
Modern Culture and Legacy
If you have ever opened a Japanese history textbook, you have seen these scrolls. The image of Suenaga on his bleeding horse, bow in hand, is the definitive icon of the era.
In modern pop culture, the aesthetic of the Moko Shurai Ekotoba heavily influenced the visual direction of the hit video game Ghost of Tsushima. The game’s depiction of the Mongol armor, the samurai distinct lack of heavy plate (using O-yoroi instead), and the chaotic beach landings are all drawn directly from the details preserved in Suenaga’s commission.
Interestingly, recent studies of the scrolls have revealed edits made centuries later. Some historians believe that extra Mongol soldiers were painted into certain scenes later to make Suenaga’s odds look even more impossible, further glorifying his struggle.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Samurai
For travelers hoping to see the real thing, it is a challenge. The original scrolls are possessed by the Imperial Household Agency and are rarely distinctively displayed to the public to ensure their preservation.
However, history comes alive in Fukuoka (Northern Kyushu), where the battles took place:
- Kyushu National Museum (Dazaifu): This world-class museum often features high-quality replicas and detailed exhibits on the Mongol invasions. It is the best place to understand the cross-cultural exchange and conflict of the era.
- Genko Boru (Anti-Mongol Wall): In Fukuoka City, you can visit the ruins of the stone defensive walls built by samurai between the two invasions. Seeing the physical stones laid 700 years ago connects the geography to the art.
- Kumamoto: As Suenaga’s home province, local museums in Kumamoto sometimes feature exhibits dedicated to their local hero.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the samurai mindset and the mythological foundations of Japan, consider exploring the following:
- The Moko Shurai Ekotoba: Available in various digital archives and translated commentaries by Thomas Conlan (In Little Need of Divine Intervention).
- Azuma Kagami: The historical chronicle of the Kamakura Shogunate.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While written centuries before the Mongol invasion, this classical text (along with the Kojiki) established the divine lineage of the Emperor and the spiritual geography of Japan, concepts that were fiercely defended during the Mongol crisis.