I asked AI how Chinese history books describe the Yuan Enmity.

What is Genko (Mongolian invasion)?

　The Genko, or Mongol invasion, refers to two large-scale invasions of Japan by the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. These events marked an important turning point in Japanese history, and through the Genko invasions, Japan’s national defense and political systems were greatly affected.

Description in Chinese history books

　The Genko (Mongolian invasion) is also described in detail in Chinese history books. These accounts provide details of the Japanese expedition and its outcome, primarily from the perspective of the Yuan dynasty, highlighting the planning, execution, and failure of the Yuan invasion. Below are some of the detailed descriptions of the Yuan Pirates in Chinese historical texts.

Description of the Yuan Invasions in Yuan Dynasty Historiography

1．description in the “History of the Yuan Dynasty

　The “History of the Yuan Dynasty” is the official record of the Yuan Dynasty, compiled during the Hongwu period (1368-1398) of the Ming Dynasty. It contains a detailed account of the Yuan Pirates.

Fublai Khan’s Intentions to Conquer Japan

　Fubilai Khan (Kublai Khan) wanted to bring all of East Asia under his rule and demanded that Japan submit to him. He founded the Yuan Dynasty in 1271, which was to rule all of China.

　He expected Japan to submit to Yuan Dynasty and pay tribute, but the Japanese refused to do so. Therefore, he decided to conquer Japan by force.

The First Dimensional Pirates (Bunei no Eki, 1274)

　In the First Invasion, Fubilai Khan planned to invade Japan from his base in Kourai (present-day Korea). The Yuan Shi (History of the Yuan Dynasty) contains the following details.

• Preparations for the invasion:. 　In 1274, the Yuan army mobilized about 900 ships and about 23,000 soldiers (a mixed force of Mongol, Kourai, and Han Chinese soldiers). With the cooperation of the Kourai, the Yuan forces landed at Hakata Bay via Tsushima and Iki.
• Attack on Tsushima and Iki:. 　The Yuan forces wreaked massive destruction on Tsushima and Iki, committing atrocities against the inhabitants and garrison soldiers. This spread terror throughout Japan.
• Battle of Hakata Bay:. 　The Japanese garrison (the retainers of the Kamakura shogunate) put up a fierce resistance to the Yuan forces that landed at Hakata Bay. The Yuan forces used gunpowder fire arrows and stone throwers, but the Japanese warriors continued to fight bravely.
• Typhoon (kamikaze):. 　After several days of fighting, a sudden typhoon struck Hakata Bay, sinking many of the Yuan army’s ships. The Yuan Shi (History of the Yuan Dynasty) records that this typhoon devastated the Yuan forces, forcing them to retreat.

The Second Dimensional Pirates (Kouan no Eki, 1281)

　Despite the failure of the first dimensional invasion, Fubilai Khan sought to conquer Japan once again, and in 1281, the Yuan Dynasty once again planned to invade Japan, this time attacking from two sides. The Yuan Shi (History of the Yuan Dynasty) gives the following details.

• Preparations for the East Road Army and the Kounan Army:. 　The East Road Army, with about 900 ships and 40,000 men, headed for Japan via Goryeo. The Gangnam Army, on the other hand, had about 3,500 ships and 100,000 men and departed from the port of Nanjungok.
• Touro-gun’s Movement:. 　The Touro forces again landed in northern Kyushu via Tsushima and Iki. The Japanese strengthened their defenses in preparation for this invasion, and fierce battles were fought around Shika Island and Hakata Bay.
• The arrival of Kounan’s army and the plan to join forces:. 　The Kounan Army was scheduled to join forces with the Touro Army, but in reality, the joining of the two armies was extremely difficult. The two armies acted separately, each fighting against the Japanese.
• Return of Typhoon (Kamikaze):. 　During the battle in the vicinity of Takashima, a typhoon struck the Yuan forces again, sinking many ships. This typhoon was also passed down as “kamikaze” and the Yuan forces were forced to retreat once again.

Analysis of the Cause of Defeat

　The Yuan Shi emphasizes the devastation caused by the typhoon (known as “kamikaze”) as the reason for the Yuan army’s defeat in Japan. The topography of Japan and the resistance of the Japanese army are also cited as factors.

2．records from Kourai

　Kourai was also deeply involved in the Genko Incident, and its records detail the movements of the Yuan forces and the role of Kourai soldiers. The Kourai records highlight the following points.

• Kourai cooperation:. 　As a dependency of Yuan, the Goryeo supported Yuan’s military expedition to Japan. Kourai soldiers joined Yuan’s army and participated in the invasion of Japan.
• Attacks on Tsushima and Iki:. 　Kourai records detail the attack of Yuan forces on Tsushima and Iki and the role of Goryeo soldiers.
• Influence in the Kourai:. 　After the Mongol invasion, the Kourai hoped to be relieved of Yuan pressure, but in fact, they remained under Yuan control. The Mongol Invasion was therefore an important historical event for the Kourai as well.

Conclusion

　The Mongol Invasion had a significant impact on the Yuan Dynasty’s military strategy and foreign policy. Through the failure of the invasion of Japan, the Yuan dynasty recognized the limitations of its own military power and strategy. This led the Yuan dynasty to take a more cautious stance in its other foreign policy and military actions in East Asia.

NB.
This text is based on asking the AI; the AI’s answers may not always be correct. Important information should be checked.

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