Ashikaga Yoshinori

Quick Facts: Who was Ashikaga Yoshinori?

Subject:

Ashikaga Yoshinori

Known for:

Sixth Ashikaga Shogun who reigned during the Muromachi period, known for cultural patronage.

Born:

1394-07-12

Died:

1441-07-12

Century / Era:

1394s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ashikaga Yoshinori (足利 義教; July 12, 1394 – July 12, 1441) was the sixth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate who reigned from 1429 to 1441 during the Muromachi period of medieval Japan. Yoshinori was the son of the third shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. His childhood name was Harutora (春寅). In 1433, he initiated the compilation of the last imperial waka anthology, Shinshoku Kokinwakashū, but was not satisfied with its compilation agenda which undermined his authority. After the death of the fifth shōgun Ashikaga Yoshikazu in 1425, the fourth Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimochi resumed his role as head of the shogunate.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Yoshimochi had no other sons, nor did he name a successor before he himself died in 1428. Yoshinori, who had been a Buddhist monk since the age of ten, became Sei-i Taishōgun on the day of Yoshimochi's death. From amongst the handful of possible Ashikaga candidates, his name was selected by the shogunal deputy (Kanrei), Hatakeyama Mitsuie, who drew lots in the sanctuary of Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto; and it was believed that Hachiman's influence had affected this auspicious choice. Yoshinori was appointed shōgun in 1429, one year before the surrender of the Southern Court. However during his reign, several rebellions erupted, including the Ōtomo rebellion and the uprising of rebel monks on Mount Hiei, both occurring in 1433; and the Eikyō Rebellion occurred under the leadership of Kantō kubō Ashikaga Mochiuji in 1438.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Yoshinori strengthened the power of the shogunate by defeating Mochiuji, who committed suicide the following year as dissatisfaction with Yoshinori continued to grow. During this period, Ming Chinese contacts were increased and Zen Buddhism gained influence, which had broad cultural consequences. For example, the Hon-dō or main hall at Ikkyu-ji is today the oldest standing Tang-style temple in the Yamashiro (southern Kyoto Prefecture) and Yamato (Nara Prefecture) Provinces. It was built in 1434 and was dedicated by Yoshinori. The Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji in Kyoto was destroyed by fire in 1436 but was reconstructed four years later by Yoshinori.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1394 (1394-07-12): Birth of Ashikaga Yoshinori — Sixth Ashikaga Shogun who reigned during the Muromachi period, known for cultural patronage.
2. 1425: 1425 Milestone — After the death of the fifth shōgun Ashikaga Yoshikazu in 1425, the fourth Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimochi resumed his role as head of the shogunate.
3. 1428: 1428 Milestone — Yoshimochi had no other sons, nor did he name a successor before he himself died in 1428.
4. 1429: 1429 Milestone — Yoshinori was appointed shōgun in 1429, one year before the surrender of the Southern Court.
5. 1433: 1433 Milestone — In 1433, he initiated the compilation of the last imperial waka anthology, Shinshoku Kokinwakashū, but was not satisfied with its compilation agenda which undermined his authority.
6. 1434: 1434 Milestone — It was built in 1434 and was dedicated by Yoshinori.
7. 1436: 1436 Milestone — The Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji in Kyoto was destroyed by fire in 1436 but was reconstructed four years later by Yoshinori.
8. 1441 (1441-07-12): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ashikaga Yoshinori passed away on 1441-07-12, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ashikaga Yoshinori

True or False: “Ashikaga Yoshinori was solely responsible for restoring all trade relations with Ming China immediately upon taking power in 1429.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Trade and diplomatic relations with Ming China were restored later, specifically around 1432, after having been discontinued by his predecessor.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ashikaga Yoshinori