What was the Ashikaga shogunate, and during what period did it govern Japan?

The Ashikaga shogunate, also known as the Muromachi shogunate, was the feudal military government of Japan. It governed the country during the Muromachi period, which lasted from 1336 to 1573. This era represents a significant phase in Japanese history characterized by the rule of the samurai class under a shogun.

Who established the Ashikaga shogunate, and what event preceded its establishment?

The Ashikaga shogunate was established by Ashikaga Takauji. This occurred shortly after the Kenmu Restoration, which had itself overthrown the Kamakura shogunate, indicating a period of significant political upheaval and shifting power dynamics in Japan.

What was the primary role of the Ashikaga shogunate in Japanese society?

The Ashikaga shogunate served as the de facto military dictatorship of Japan. Led by the shogun from the Ashikaga clan, they governed alongside the daimyō lords of the samurai class, wielding significant political and military power.

What event led to the collapse of the Ashikaga shogunate's authority and the beginning of a period of civil war?

The Ashikaga shogunate's authority began to significantly decline following the Ōnin War, which lasted from 1467 to 1477. This conflict plunged the country into a state of constant civil war known as the Sengoku period, severely weakening the central power of the shogunate.

How did the Ashikaga shogunate differ in structure and power from the Kamakura and Tokugawa shogunate?

The Ashikaga shogunate was notably weaker than its predecessors and successors. Unlike the Kamakura shogunate's centralized master-vassal system and the Tokugawa shogunate's strong territorial control, the Ashikaga shoguns initially had little personal territory, relying heavily on the prestige of the shogun and the loyalty of the daimyō lords.

What happened to the power of the Imperial Court during the Ashikaga period?

The Imperial Court's power significantly diminished during the Ashikaga period. The failure of the Kenmu Restoration and the Ashikaga's establishment of their government in Kyoto weakened the court, rendering it largely symbolic and subservient to the military government.

What powers did the shugo (provincial governors) gain under the Ashikaga shogunate?

Under the Ashikaga shogunate, the appointed shugo absorbed significant powers beyond their traditional military and policing roles. They gained judicial, economic, and taxation authority within their provinces, contributing to the decentralization of power and the expansion of local lord influence.

What was the 'Flower Palace', and where was it located?

The 'Flower Palace' (Hana no Gosho) was the nickname for the shogunal residence established by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun. It was located in the Muromachi district of Kyoto, on the block bordered by Karasuma Street, Imadegawa Street, Muromachi Street, and Kamidachiuri Street. This location gave the shogunate and the period their alternative name, Muromachi.

Who was the first Ashikaga shogun, and what were his approximate years of rule?

The first Ashikaga shogun was Ashikaga Takauji. He reigned from 1338 until his death in 1357.

Who was Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and what was his significance during the Ashikaga shogunate?

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was the third Ashikaga shogun, ruling from 1368 to 1394. He is significant for establishing his residence, the 'Flower Palace', in Kyoto, solidifying the shogunate's presence there. He also played a crucial role in resolving the Nanboku-chō period by bringing the Southern Court back into the fold in 1392, and his rule represented a peak in the shogunate's power.

What led to the weakening of the Ashikaga shogunate after Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's rule?

After Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogunate's structural weaknesses became more apparent due to numerous succession troubles and early deaths among the shoguns. These issues were exacerbated by internal conflicts among the warrior families, leading to a significant decline in the bakufu's authority.

Which two countries did the Ashikaga shogunate engage with in terms of foreign relations?

The Ashikaga shogunate engaged in foreign relations with Joseon Korea on the Korean Peninsula and with imperial China.

What event in 1565 significantly destabilized the Ashikaga shogunate?

In 1565, the assassination of Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshiteru severely destabilized the Ashikaga shogunate. This event created a power vacuum that ambitious daimyō, such as Oda Nobunaga, could exploit.

How did Oda Nobunaga influence the final years of the Ashikaga shogunate?

Oda Nobunaga played a decisive role in the final years of the Ashikaga shogunate. He installed Ashikaga Yoshiaki as the 15th shogun in 1568, effectively making Yoshiaki his puppet ruler. Nobunaga eventually drove Yoshiaki out of Kyoto in 1573, formally ending the Ashikaga shogunate.

Who was the last Ashikaga shogun, and when was the shogunate officially abolished?

The last Ashikaga shogun was Ashikaga Yoshiaki. The shogunate was abolished in 1573 when Oda Nobunaga expelled Yoshiaki from Kyoto.

What happened to the Ashikaga family after the fall of the shogunate?

Although the shogunate itself was abolished, the Ashikaga family lineage survived the 16th century. A branch of the family eventually became the daimyō family of the Kitsuregawa domain.

What is the 'Mon' depicted in the Ashikaga shogunate's infobox?

The 'Mon' depicted is the symbol of the Ashikaga clan. A 'mon' is a Japanese heraldic symbol or crest used to identify individuals and families, similar to a coat of arms in Western cultures.

What languages were commonly spoken during the Ashikaga shogunate?

The common language during the Ashikaga shogunate was Late Middle Japanese. This represents a stage in the historical development of the Japanese language.

What was the form of government described for the Ashikaga shogunate?

The Ashikaga shogunate is described as an absolute monarchy under a feudal military dictatorship. This indicates a system where a military leader held supreme power, operating within a feudal social structure.

Which emperors were recognized during the Ashikaga shogunate's existence, particularly concerning the Northern Court?

During the Ashikaga shogunate, Emperor Kōgon (reigned 1331–1334) was installed under Ashikaga influence, representing the Northern Court. Later, Emperor Ōgimachi (reigned 1557–1586) reigned during the later period of the shogunate, witnessing its decline and eventual fall.

What was the significance of the Genpei War in relation to the establishment of the first shogunate?

The Genpei War (1185) was a crucial conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The Minamoto clan's victory under Minamoto no Yoritomo led to the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, marking the beginning of military rule in Japan and setting a precedent for future shogunate governments.

Why did Emperor Go-Daigo initiate the Kenmu Restoration?

Emperor Go-Daigo initiated the Kenmu Restoration in 1333, ordering local governing vassals to oppose the Hōjō clan's rule. His aim was to restore direct Imperial rule, moving away from the military dictatorship of the Kamakura shogunate.

What factors might have contributed to Ashikaga Takauji's decision to overthrow the Kenmu Restoration?

While the exact reasons are unclear, Ashikaga Takauji's decision to overthrow the Kenmu Restoration might have been influenced by his position as the unofficial leader of the Minamoto clan, which had a historical rivalry with the Taira clan from which the Hōjō were descended. Additionally, Emperor Go-Daigo's policies may not have satisfied those who supported the restoration.

What was the role of the Southern Court during the Nanboku-chō period?

The Southern Court, based in Yoshino, was one of the two rival Imperial courts during the Nanboku-chō period. It supported Emperor Go-Daigo and his line, representing the opposition to the Ashikaga-backed Northern Court in Kyoto.

How did the Ashikaga shogunate's government structure contribute to its eventual decline?

The Ashikaga shogunate's decentralized structure, heavily reliant on the loyalty of powerful daimyō rather than direct control over territory, made it vulnerable. Succession disputes and the Ōnin War further fractured this structure, reducing the shogunate to a mere local force in Kyoto by the late period.

What was the 'Sengoku period', and how did it relate to the Ashikaga shogunate?

The Sengoku period, meaning 'Warring States period', began in the late Muromachi period following the Ōnin War. It was characterized by widespread civil war and the rise of powerful regional daimyō. The Ashikaga shogunate, already weakened, effectively lost control during this era, becoming a figurehead rather than a ruling power.

What was the relationship between Oda Nobunaga and Ashikaga Yoshiaki after 1568?

After 1568, Oda Nobunaga installed Ashikaga Yoshiaki as the 15th Ashikaga shogun, intending to rule through him as a puppet. However, Yoshiaki attempted to assert his independence by seeking alliances with powerful monasteries and clans, which ultimately led to Nobunaga overthrowing him and ending the shogunate in 1573.

What is the significance of the date 11 August 1336 in relation to the Ashikaga shogunate?

August 11, 1336, marks the establishment of the Ashikaga shogunate. This date signifies the formal beginning of the military government led by Ashikaga Takauji, following his overthrow of the Kenmu Restoration.

What is the significance of the date 2 September 1573 in relation to the Ashikaga shogunate?

September 2, 1573, marks the abolition of the Ashikaga shogunate. This date signifies the final overthrow of the last shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, by Oda Nobunaga, ending the shogunate's nearly 240-year rule.

What was the 'Shinbutsu-shūgō' practiced during the Ashikaga shogunate?

Shinbutsu-shūgō was the religious practice prevalent during the Ashikaga shogunate, representing the syncretism or blending of Buddhism and Shinto. This indicates a period where these two major Japanese religions coexisted and often merged in practice.

What is the meaning of the Japanese term 'Ashikaga bakufu'?

'Ashikaga bakufu' is the Japanese term for the Ashikaga shogunate. 'Bakufu' translates to 'military government' or 'tent government', referring to the administrative body headed by the shogun.

What is the meaning of the Japanese term 'Muromachi bakufu'?

'Muromachi bakufu' is another name for the Ashikaga shogunate. It derives its name from the Muromachi district in Kyoto where the shogunal residence, the 'Flower Palace', was located.

What was the role of the Ashikaga clan during this period?

The Ashikaga clan was the ruling family that provided the shoguns for the military government. They held the position of shogun for nearly two and a half centuries, shaping the political landscape of feudal Japan.

What was the significance of the surrender of Emperor Go-Kameyama on 15 October 1392?

The surrender of Emperor Go-Kameyama on October 15, 1392, marked the end of the Nanboku-chō period. This event signified the reunification of the Imperial line under the Northern Court, which was supported by the Ashikaga shogunate, bringing a formal resolution to the 56-year division.

How did the Ōnin War (1467–1477) impact the Ashikaga shogunate?

The Ōnin War severely weakened the Ashikaga shogunate, reducing its authority to little more than a local political force within Kyoto. It marked the beginning of the Sengoku period, characterized by widespread civil war among the daimyō, further eroding the shogunate's central control.

What happened on 18 October 1568 in relation to the Ashikaga shogunate?

On October 18, 1568, Oda Nobunaga captured Heian-kyō (Kyoto). This action allowed him to install Ashikaga Yoshiaki as the 15th Ashikaga shogun, effectively placing the shogunate under his control.

What currency was used during the Ashikaga shogunate?

The currency used during the Ashikaga shogunate was the Japanese mon. The mon was the basic unit of currency in Japan for centuries before being replaced by the yen.

What was the relationship between the Ashikaga shogunate and the samurai class?

The Ashikaga shogunate was a military government led by the shogun, who was the supreme leader of the samurai class. The shogunate governed in conjunction with the daimyō, who were powerful samurai lords, and the military power of the shogun depended on their loyalty.

What does the term 'absolute monarchy' imply about the Ashikaga shogunate's governance?

The term 'absolute monarchy' suggests that the shogun, as the head of the military government, held supreme and unchecked power, similar to a king or emperor in other systems. However, within the context of the Ashikaga shogunate, this power was often constrained by the influence of powerful daimyō and the feudal structure.

What does the term 'feudal' signify in the context of the Ashikaga shogunate?

The term 'feudal' indicates that the Ashikaga shogunate operated within a social and political system based on reciprocal obligations between lords and vassals. This involved land tenure in exchange for military service and loyalty, a characteristic structure of the samurai class and its relationship with the shogun.

What was the significance of Ashikaga Takauji's appointment as Shōgun in 1338?

Ashikaga Takauji's appointment as Shōgun in 1338 marked the official beginning of the Ashikaga shogunate. This event signified the end of the brief Kenmu Restoration and the establishment of a new military government that would rule Japan for over two centuries.

What does the presence of the Ashikaga mon emblem signify?

The Ashikaga mon emblem signifies the ruling family of the shogunate, the Ashikaga clan. It serves as a visual representation of their authority and lineage during their period of rule.

What was the 'Kamakura shogunate', and how did it relate to the Ashikaga shogunate?

The Kamakura shogunate was the preceding military government of Japan, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The Ashikaga shogunate overthrew the Kamakura shogunate, marking a transition in the leadership of Japan's military governments.

What was the 'Kenmu Restoration'?

The Kenmu Restoration was a brief period of Imperial rule in Japan initiated by Emperor Go-Daigo in 1333, following the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate. It aimed to restore the Emperor's direct political power but was ultimately short-lived, being overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336.

What was the 'Nanboku-chō period'?

The Nanboku-chō period, also known as the Northern and Southern Courts period, was a time of division in Japan from 1336 to 1392. During this era, two rival Imperial courts, the Northern Court in Kyoto and the Southern Court in Yoshino, vied for legitimacy, with the Ashikaga shogunate backing the Northern Court.

What was the 'Sengoku period'?

The Sengoku period, meaning 'Warring States period', was a prolonged era of civil war and social upheaval in Japan that began in the late 15th century and continued through the 16th century. It followed the decline of the Ashikaga shogunate's authority after the Ōnin War.

What is the significance of the Muromachi district in Kyoto concerning the Ashikaga shogunate?

The Muromachi district in Kyoto is significant because it was the location of the Ashikaga shogunate's main residence, the 'Flower Palace'. This district gave its name to both the shogunate and the historical period it governed, the Muromachi period.

Who was Oda Nobunaga, and what role did he play in the fall of the Ashikaga shogunate?

Oda Nobunaga was an ambitious daimyō who rose to prominence during the Sengoku period. He played a pivotal role in the final years of the Ashikaga shogunate by installing the last shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, as his puppet and ultimately overthrowing him in 1573, thus ending the shogunate.

What is the 'Kanbai-kan', and how does it relate to the former shogunal residence?

The 'Kanbai-kan' (Winter Plum Hall) is part of Dōshisha University in Kyoto. It contains relics and archaeological findings from the site of the Ashikaga shogunate's 'Flower Palace', serving as a commemoration of the former shogunal residence.

Ashikaga Shogunate Wiki: The Ashikaga Era: A Feudal Tapestry of Power and Conflict

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Shogunate Overview

Defining the Era

The Ashikaga shogunate, also known as the Muromachi shogunate, constituted the feudal military government of Japan during the Muromachi period, spanning from 1336 to 1573. It was established by Ashikaga Takauji following the overthrow of the Kenmu Restoration.

Seat of Power

The shogunate's administration was centered in Kyoto, the Imperial capital, specifically in the Muromachi district. This district lent its name to the period and the shogunate's alternative designation, the Muromachi bakufu.

Governance Structure

Characterized by its relative weakness compared to preceding and succeeding shogunates, the Ashikaga system relied heavily on the prestige of its leaders and the loyalty of regional daimyō lords. It transitioned from a centralized master-vassal model to a more decentralized daimyō-centric structure.

Foundations and Transition

Imperial Rivalry

The shogunate's origins are rooted in the conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control over the Imperial Court. Minamoto no Yoritomo's victory led to the Kamakura shogunate, while the Hōjō clan consolidated power, marginalizing the Emperor.

The Kenmu Restoration

Emperor Go-Daigo's attempt to restore direct Imperial rule in 1333, known as the Kenmu Restoration, was initially supported by Ashikaga Takauji. However, Takauji's own ambitions led him to establish his military government in Kyoto, effectively ending the Restoration and initiating the Ashikaga shogunate.

Weakening Foundations

Unlike its predecessors, the Ashikaga shogunate began with limited personal territories, making its authority heavily dependent on the charisma and influence of the Shōgun. This structural weakness would become increasingly apparent throughout its existence.

Divided Loyalties: The Courts

The Nanboku-chō Period

A significant dispute over governance between Ashikaga Takauji and Emperor Go-Daigo resulted in a schism within the Imperial Court. This led to the establishment of two rival courts: the Northern Court in Kyoto, aligned with the Ashikaga, and the Southern Court in Yoshino.

This period of dual imperial courts lasted for 56 years. The conflict was eventually resolved in 1392 when the Southern Court conceded to the Northern Court under the influence of Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, marking a significant consolidation of Ashikaga power.

Structure of Rule

Decentralized Authority

The Ashikaga shogunate operated under a highly decentralized system, contrasting with the more centralized Kamakura shogunate. The power of the Shōgun was significantly influenced by the regional daimyō lords, whose authority grew substantially.

Shugo and Imperial Decline

Shugo (military governors) absorbed judicial, economic, and taxation powers previously held by Imperial officials. This expansion of daimyō influence, coupled with the diminished political and economic base of the Imperial court following the failed Kenmu Restoration, shifted power dynamics considerably.

External Engagement

Diplomatic Ties

The Ashikaga shogunate engaged in evolving diplomatic and trade relations with Joseon Korea and Imperial China. These interactions were crucial for cultural exchange and economic development during the period.

Decline and Dissolution

Internal Strife

Succession disputes and the death of key figures like Ashikaga Yoshinori weakened the shogunate's control. The Ōnin War (1467–1477) marked a critical turning point, plunging the nation into prolonged civil conflict known as the Sengoku period.

The Sengoku Period

Following the Ōnin War, the shogunate's authority waned dramatically, reducing it to a mere local political entity in Kyoto. The era devolved into constant warfare among powerful daimyō.

Final Ousting

In 1568, Oda Nobunaga installed Ashikaga Yoshiaki as a puppet Shōgun. However, Yoshiaki's attempts to consolidate power independently led Nobunaga to overthrow him and abolish the Ashikaga shogunate in 1573, bringing the era to a definitive close.

List of Ashikaga Shōgun

#	Name	Lived	Reigned	Son of
1st	Ashikaga Takauji	1305–1358	1338–1358	Sadauji
2nd	Ashikaga Yoshiakira	1330–1368	1358–1367	Takauji
3rd	Ashikaga Yoshimitsu	1358–1408	1367–1395	Yoshiakira
4th	Ashikaga Yoshimochi	1386–1428	1395–1423	Yoshimitsu
5th	Ashikaga Yoshikazu	1407–1425	1423–1425	Yoshimochi
6th	Ashikaga Yoshinori	1394–1441	1428–1441	Yoshimitsu
7th	Ashikaga Yoshikatsu	1433–1443	1442–1443	Yoshinori
8th	Ashikaga Yoshimasa	1435–1490	1449–1474	Yoshinori
9th	Ashikaga Yoshihisa	1465–1489	1474–1489	Yoshimasa
10th	Ashikaga Yoshitane	1465–1522	1490–1493, 1508–1521	Yoshimi
11th	Ashikaga Yoshizumi	1478–1513	1493–1508	Masatomo
12th	Ashikaga Yoshiharu	1510–1550	1521–1545	Yoshizumi
13th	Ashikaga Yoshiteru	1535–1565	1545–1565	Yoshiharu
14th	Ashikaga Yoshihide	1538–1568	1564–1568	Yoshitsuna
15th	Ashikaga Yoshiaki	1537–1597	1568–1573	Yoshiharu

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The Ashikaga Era

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Shogunate Overview 🏯

📜 Defining the Era

🏛️ Seat of Power

⚖️ Governance Structure

Foundations and Transition ⚔️

👑 Imperial Rivalry

✊ The Kenmu Restoration

📉 Weakening Foundations

Divided Loyalties: The Courts ⚖️

Split The Nanboku-chō Period

Structure of Rule ⚙️

🌐 Decentralized Authority

⚖️ Shugo and Imperial Decline

External Engagement 🌍

🌏 Diplomatic Ties

Decline and Dissolution 📉

💥 Internal Strife

🔥 The Sengoku Period

🚪 Final Ousting

List of Ashikaga Shōgun 📜

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Shogunate Overview

Defining the Era

Seat of Power

Governance Structure

Foundations and Transition

Imperial Rivalry

The Kenmu Restoration

Weakening Foundations

Divided Loyalties: The Courts

The Nanboku-chō Period

Structure of Rule

Decentralized Authority

Shugo and Imperial Decline

External Engagement

Diplomatic Ties

Decline and Dissolution

Internal Strife

The Sengoku Period

Final Ousting

List of Ashikaga Shōgun

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice