The initial revolt took place at the capital of Heian-kyō, but was easily crushed, whereupon the shogunate destroyed the Jo clan's remaining forces in Echigo Province.

In the 12th century, Japan experienced a period of political change and conflict, as the powerful Taira and Minamoto clans struggled for control of the country.

[2] Their conflict also involved other families, including the Jo clan which was descended from a Taira branch and based in Echigo Province.

[1] After his victory over the Taira, Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate, a military dictatorship which ruled Japan alongside the weakened Imperial Court in Kyoto (then known as "Heian-kyō").

The rise of the so-called "nun shogun" and attempts by Minamoto no Yoriie to gain more power caused considerable tensions.

[6][4] Nagamochi then attempted to get the imperial court's backing, requesting retired Emperor Go-Toba to issue an official order to depose the Minamoto clan.

[4] However, the imperial court did not comply;[6] instead, an army loyal to the shogunate launched an unexpected counter-attack and crushed Jo Nagamochi's force.

[10] However, a warrior in Yoriie's retinue, Asari Yoichi Yoshitō, was so captivated by Hangaku Gozen's demeanor and bravery that he wished to marry her.

Yoriie initially ridiculed him, claiming that Hangaku Gozen was so unwomanly that she surely had "no attraction to men", but his retainer persisted and he relented.

[1] In coming centuries, the Kennin Rebellion remained a relatively unknown event, mainly remembered due to Hangaku Gozen's involvement.