|
Ashikaga Takauji (1305 - 1358) was the founder and first shogun of the
Ashikaga shogunate. His rule began in 1338, beginning the Muromachi Period
of Japan, and ended with his death in 1358. He was a descendant of the
Minamoto clan of samurai of the emperor Seiwa line that had settled in
Ashikaga area of Shimotsuke province which is in present day Tochigi
prefecture.
Genko Rebellion and the Kemmu Restoration: Takauji was a general of the
Kamakura shogunate sent to Kyoto in 1333 to put down the Genko Rebellion
which had started in 1331. After becoming increasingly disillusioned with
the shogunate over time, Takauji joined the banished emperor Go-Daigo and
Kusunoki Masashige and seized Kyoto. Soon after, Nitta Yoshisada attacked
Kamakura and finally destroyed the shogunate and the emperor Go-Daigo became
the de facto ruler of Japan, reestablishing the primacy of the imperial
court in Kyoto and starting the Kemmu restoration.
However, shortly thereafter, the samurai clans became increasingly
disillusioned with reestablished imperial court which sought to return to
the social and political systems of the Heian period. Sensing their
discontent, Takauji pleaded with the emperor to do something before
rebellion would break out, however his warnings were ignored.
Hojo Tokiyuki, son of the 14th Hojo regent Hojo Moritoki, took the
opportunity to start the Nakasendai rebellion (Nakasendai no Ran) to try to
reestablish the shogunate at Kamakura in 1335. Takauji put down the
rebellion and took Kamakura for himself. Taking up the cause of his fellow
samurai, he claimed the title of Seii Taishogun and allotted land to his
followers without permission from the court. Takauji announced his
allegiance to the imperial court, but Go-Daigo sent Nitta Yoshisada to
reclaim Kamakura.
Early Muromachi Period and the Northern and Southern Courts: Meeting at
the Battle of Hakone Take no Shita, Takauji defeated Yoshisada and
afterwards marched all the way to Kyoto. He took it only to be driven out
and to Kyushu by the regrouped forces of Yoshisada with Masashige. Takauji
allied himself with the clans native to Kyushu and again marched to Kyoto.
At the decisive Battle of Minato River in 1336, Takauji defeated Yoshisada
and killed Masashige, allowing him to seize Kyoto for good. Emperor Komyo
was installed as emperor beginning the turbulent Northern and Southern Court
period (Nanboku-cho) which would last for almost 60 more years.
Takauji's son Ashikaga Yoshiakira succeeded him as shogun after his
death. His grandson Ashikaga Yoshimitsu united the Northern and Southern
courts in 1392.
The story of Ashikaga Takauji, emperor Go-Daigo, Nitta Yoshisada, and
Kusunoki Masashige from the Genko rebellion to the establishment of the
Northern and Southern Courts is detailed in the 40 volume Muromachi period
epic Taiheiki.
|
