ABSTRACT
Space precludes a detailed account of the invasions, but a few points bear emphasis. First, the invasions were truly an East Asian affair. In the first, Koryo was ordered to provide the bulk of the ships as well as much of the manpower. In the second, Koryo again supplied men and matériel, but the recently conquered territory of the Southern Song was also ordered to supply troops and ships, for a two-pronged attack on Japan. It should be noted, however, that contrary to popular belief, the fortuitous storms did not save Japan from otherwise certain defeat; the Japanese defenders were, in fact, well prepared to meet the invasion force, fighting well and effectively until the storms dispersed the fleets. The kango trade was terminated in the mid-sixteenth century for a number of reasons, including Ming unease over competing Japanese tribute ships. This rivalry resulted, in 1523, in Ningbo being severely damaged by fighting between the Ouchi and Hosokawa ships.
