In 1281, the Mongol Empire, under Kublai Khan, launched a second invasion of Japan, targeting the island of Kyushu. This massive military campaign involved a fleet of over 4,000 ships and tens of thousands of soldiers. The invasion ultimately failed due to a powerful typhoon, known as 'kamikaze' or 'divine wind,' which destroyed much of the Mongol fleet, significantly impacting Japan's national identity and its perception of divine protection.

The failed Mongol invasion inspired various Japanese literary works, emphasizing themes of resilience and divine intervention. Poets such as Matsuo Bashō later reflected on the cultural significance of this event in their haikus, capturing the spirit of survival and the natural world's power. This event also contributed to the development of Japanese nationalism, which would influence literature and poetry in the centuries to come.