MINAMOTO YORITOMO

born 1147, Japan died Feb. 9, 1199, Kamakura founder of the bakufu, or shogunate, a system whereby feudal lords ruled Japan for 700 years. Defying the emperor, Yoritomo established shugo (constables) and jito (district stewards) throughout the Japanese provinces, thus undermining the central government's local administrative power, and in 1192 he acquired the title of supreme commander (shogun) over the shugo and jito.