Japan: 'Gempei Seisuiki - Chronicles of the Genji and the Heike', part of a series of paintings depicting Miura Daisuke Yoshiaki (1093-1181) on horseback outside Kinusaga Castle, by Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912), 1885

'The Tale of the Heike' is a Japanese epic account of the conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans over control of Japan which occurred near the end of the 12th century CE, known as the Genpei War (1180-1185). The tale is often described as a Japanese 'Iliad', and has been translated into English multiple times.

The Genpei War occurred during the late Heian Period, and ultimately saw the fall of the Taira clan and the rise of the Minamoto clan. Minamoto no Yoritomo, clan leader, then established the Kamakura shogunate, which would rule over Japan for roughly 150 years. The Kamakura shogunate began the suppression of the emperor's power and the rise of samurai influence and power.

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