Ashikaga Takauji
Turned against and overthrew the Kamakura shogunate, then broke with Emperor Go-Daigo and founded the Muromachi shogunate.
Life
Changed sides
Ashikaga Takauji came from a distinguished branch of the Minamoto clan. In 1333 he was ordered by the Kamakura shogunate to move against Emperor Go-Daigo, but changed sides on the eve of battle, captured the Rokuhara Tandai in Kyoto, and together with Nitta Yoshisada overthrew the Kamakura shogunate.
Kenmu Restoration
When Emperor Go-Daigo launched the Kenmu Restoration, discontented warriors rallied behind Takauji. In 1336 he entered Kyoto, installed Emperor Komyo on the throne in Go-Daigo's place, and issued the Kenmu Code; Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino and founded the Southern Court, beginning the standoff between the Northern and Southern Courts. In 1338 he became shogun, founding the Muromachi shogunate.
Northern & Southern Dynasties
In his later years he fell into an internal struggle with his younger brother Ashikaga Tadayoshi (the Kanno Disturbance), and he died in 1358.
Legacy
Ashikaga Takauji founded the Muromachi shogunate, which lasted more than 200 years, but the modern imperial view of history branded him a "traitor" who betrayed the emperor, and opinions of him have always been divided.
Did you know? A devout follower of Zen, he built Tenryu-ji to pray for the soul of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Key dates
- 1333Turned against and overthrew the Kamakura shogunate
- 1336Entered Kyoto and installed the Northern Court
- 1338Became shogun
- 1350Kanno Disturbance
- 1358Died