After his first reconnaissance-in-force to Japan in 1274, Khubilai Khan sent further envoys but they were executed by an opponent incensed with the savagery inflicted on Tsushima and Iki. Therefore he sent another invasion fleet to Kyushu in 1281. Khubilai had recently subjugated the Sung Chinese and they were to provide a significant (if unenthusiastic) part of the much larger army that set forth. Again the fleet was eventually sighted off Hakata Bay but the Yuan troops saw the samurai were better prepared this time... (less info)