Ashikaga Takauji
| Ashikaga Takauji 足利 尊氏 |
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|---|---|
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| 1st Ashikaga shogun | |
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In office 1338–1358 |
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| Preceded by | Kenmu Restoration |
| Succeeded by |
Shogun: Ashikaga Yoshiakira |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 18, 1305 Uesugi-shō, Ayabe, Kyoto, or Kamakura, Kanagawa,or , Japan |
| Died | June 7, 1358 (aged 52) Masuya-chō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan |
| Relations |
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| Children | |
Ashikaga Takauji (足利 尊氏?, August 18, 1305– June 7, 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 samurai of the (Minamoto) Seiwa Genji line (meaning they were descendants of Emperor Seiwa) who had settled in the Ashikaga area of Shimotsuke Province, in present-day .
According to Zen master and intellectual Musō Soseki, who enjoyed his favor and collaborated with him, Takauji had three qualities. First, he kept his cool in battle and was not afraid of death. Second, he was merciful and tolerant. Third, he was very generous with those below him.
Takauji was a general of the Kamakura shogunate sent to Kyoto in 1333 to put down the Genkō War which had started in 1331. After becoming increasingly disillusioned with the Kamakura shogunate over time, Takauji joined the banished Emperor Go-Daigo and Kusunoki Masashige, and seized Kyoto. Soon after, Nitta Yoshisada joined their cause, and laid siege to Kamakura. When the city fell to Nitta, the Shogunal regent, Hōjō Takatoki, and his clansmen committed suicide. This ended the Kamakura shogunate, as well as the Hōjō clan's power and influence. Go-Daigo was enthroned once more as emperor, reestablishing the primacy of the Imperial court in Kyoto and starting the so-called Kenmu Restoration.
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