The establishment of the Kamakura shogunate in 1185 marked a political shift from aristocratic to warrior rule in Japan, accompanied by changes in literary culture. While courtly traditions continued, new forms emerged reflecting samurai values, Buddhist impermanence themes, and war narratives that would characterize medieval Japanese literature.

The Heike Monogatari (Tale of the Heike), begun in the late 12th century, combined historical chronicle with epic poetry, recounting the Genpei War in alternating prose and verse passages designed for oral performance by blind biwa hōshi musicians. This work introduced Buddhist themes of impermanence and karmic retribution into Japanese war literature, influencing subsequent gunki monogatari (war tales). The transition from Heian elegance to Kamakura austerity reflected in poetry's increasing emphasis on simplicity and spiritual depth.