Ashikaga Yoshikatsu

Quick Facts: Who was Ashikaga Yoshikatsu?

Subject:

Ashikaga Yoshikatsu

Known for:

Seventh Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during Japan's Muromachi period.

Born:

1434-03-19

Died:

1443-08-16

Century / Era:

1434s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ashikaga Yoshikatsu (足利 義勝; March 19, 1434 – August 16, 1443) was the seventh shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate who reigned from 1442 to 1443 during the Muromachi period of Japan. Yoshikatsu was the son of the 6th shōgun Ashikaga Yoshinori with his concubine, Hino Shigeko (1411–1463). His childhood name was Chiyachamaru (千也茶丸). Hino Tomiko, wife of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, at first was betrothed to Yoshikatsu. In 1441, Shōgun Yoshinori was murdered at the age of 48 by Akamatsu Mitsusuke.

Career & Major Achievements

Shortly afterwards, it was determined that his 8-year-old son, Yoshikatsu, would become the new shōgun. Yoshikatsu is confirmed as shōgun the following year. On August 16, 1443, Yoshikatsu died at the age of 9. Fond of horseback riding, he was fatally injured in a fall from a horse.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He had been shogun for only two years. His 8-year-old brother, Yoshinari, was then named shōgun. Several years after he became shogun, Yoshinari changed his name to Yoshimasa, and he is better known by that name. The years in which Yoshikatsu was shōgun are more specifically identified by only one era name or nengō.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1411: 1411 Milestone — Yoshikatsu was the son of the 6th shōgun Ashikaga Yoshinori with his concubine, Hino Shigeko (1411–1463).
2. 1434 (1434-03-19): Birth of Ashikaga Yoshikatsu — Seventh Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during Japan's Muromachi period.
3. 1441: 1441 Milestone — In 1441, Shōgun Yoshinori was murdered at the age of 48 by Akamatsu Mitsusuke.
4. 1443 (1443-08-16): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ashikaga Yoshikatsu passed away on 1443-08-16, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ashikaga Yoshikatsu

True or False: “Ashikaga Yoshikatsu was known for his military prowess and leading major campaigns against rival clans throughout his reign.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Yoshikatsu reigned briefly as a child; the text notes he was fond of horseback riding but did not detail significant military leadership.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ashikaga Yoshikatsu