Ashikaga Yoshimochi

Quick Facts: Who was Ashikaga Yoshimochi?

Subject:

Ashikaga Yoshimochi

Known for:

Fourth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.

Born:

1386-03-12

Died:

1428-02-03

Century / Era:

1386s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ashikaga Yoshimochi (足利 義持; March 12, 1386 – February 3, 1428) was a Japanese samurai, daimyo and the fourth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate who first reigned from 1394 to 1423, and then again from 1425 to his death in 1428 during the Muromachi period of Japan. Yoshimochi was the son of the third shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and the elder brother of the sixth shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshinori. In 1394, Yoshimitsu gave up his shogunal title in favor of his young son, and Yoshimochi was formally confirmed in his office as Sei-i Taishōgun. Despite any appearance of retirement, the old shōgun didn't abandon any of his powers, and Yoshimitsu continued to maintain authority over the shogunate until his death. Yoshimochi exercised unfettered power as shōgun only after his father died in 1408.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1398, during the sixth year of the reign of King Taejo of Joseon, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan. Pak Ton-ji and his retinue arrived in Kyoto in 1398 (Ōei 5, 8th month). Shogun Yoshimochi presented the envoy with a formal diplomatic letter; and presents were given for the envoy to convey to the Joseon court. In 1408, Yoshimochi came into his own as a shōgun. The next year Ashikaga Mochiuji became Kantō kubō.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1411, Yoshimochi broke off relations with Ming China. Emperor Go-Komatsu abdicated in 1413, therefore Emperor Shōkō ascended to the throne in repudiation of an agreement. This resulted in renewed hostility between the shogunate and supporters of the Southern Court. Dissension erupted between Ashikaga Mochiuji, the Kantō Kubō in Kamakura, and Uesugi Zenshū (the Kantō Kanrei) in 1415, and the Uesugi clan rebelled the following year, but it was quelled by Mochiuji by 1417. A Korean attack on Tsushima (Ōei Invasion) happened in 1419, and a serious famine with great loss of life occurred the next year.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1386 (1386-03-12): Birth of Ashikaga Yoshimochi — Fourth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.
2. 1394: 1394 Milestone — In 1394, Yoshimitsu gave up his shogunal title in favor of his young son, and Yoshimochi was formally confirmed in his office as Sei-i Taishōgun.
3. 1398: 1398 Milestone — In 1398, during the sixth year of the reign of King Taejo of Joseon, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.
4. 1408: 1408 Milestone — Yoshimochi exercised unfettered power as shōgun only after his father died in 1408.
5. 1411: 1411 Milestone — In 1411, Yoshimochi broke off relations with Ming China.
6. 1413: 1413 Milestone — Emperor Go-Komatsu abdicated in 1413, therefore Emperor Shōkō ascended to the throne in repudiation of an agreement.
7. 1415: 1415 Milestone — Dissension erupted between Ashikaga Mochiuji, the Kantō Kubō in Kamakura, and Uesugi Zenshū (the Kantō Kanrei) in 1415, and the Uesugi clan rebelled the following year, but it was quelled by Mochiuji by 1417.
8. 1419: 1419 Milestone — A Korean attack on Tsushima (Ōei Invasion) happened in 1419, and a serious famine with great loss of life occurred the next year.
9. 1428 (1428-02-03): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ashikaga Yoshimochi passed away on 1428-02-03, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ashikaga Yoshimochi

True or False: “Ashikaga Yoshimochi ruled continuously as Shōgun from 1394 until his death in 1428.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He reigned initially from 1394 to 1423, and then resumed authority later, but he did not rule without interruption until his passing.

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