The five-year war waged from 1180 to 1185 on the island of Honshu between the Taira and Minamoto families, which ended in the destruction of the Taira and the start of the feudal age, is called the

• A. Onin War
• B. Gempei wars
• C. Boshin War
• D. Battle of Sekigahara

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognition of a major medieval Japanese conflict and its historical significance. The five-year struggle from 1180 to 1185 on Honshu between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) clans culminated in the destruction of the Taira and the rise of military rule in Japan. It is known as the Gempei Wars (Genpei Wars). The victory of Minamoto no Yoritomo led to the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which marks the start of the feudal age in Japan, with real political power shifting to military rulers and the imperial court largely sidelined.

Other listed events occurred in different times and contexts: the Onin War happened in the 15th century and helped plunge Japan into the Sengoku period; the Boshin War occurred in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration; the Battle of Sekigahara, in 1600, solidified Tokugawa rule.