Ashikaga Yoshitane

Quick Facts: Who was Ashikaga Yoshitane?

Subject:

Ashikaga Yoshitane

Known for:

The 10th Shōgun of the Ashikaga clan, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.

Born:

1466-09-09

Died:

1523-05-23

Century / Era:

1466s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ashikaga Yoshitane (足利 義稙; September 9, 1466 – May 23, 1523), also known as Ashikaga Yoshiki (足利 義材), was the 10th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate who headed the shogunate first from 1490 to 1493 and then again from 1508 to 1521 during the Muromachi period of Japan. Yoshitane was the son of Ashikaga Yoshimi and grandson of the sixth shōgun Ashikaga Yoshinori. In his early life, he was named Yoshiki (sometimes translated as Yoshimura), and then Yoshitada — including the period of when he is first installed as shōgun; however, he changed his name to Yoshitane in 1501 in a period when he was temporarily exiled, and it is by this name that he is generally known today. The 9th shōgun Ashikaga Yoshihisa died in 1489 on a battlefield of southern Ōmi Province. Yoshihisa left no heir; and Yoshitane became Sei-i Taishōgun a year later.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Yoshitane was appointed shōgun in 1490. Hōjō Sōun gains control of Izu the following year. In 1493, Hatakeyama Yoshitoyo forced Yoshitane to abdicate after he lost in a power struggle against Hosokawa Masamoto. Yoshitane was formally replaced by the eleventh shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshizumi. Emperor Go-Kashiwabara acceded to the throne in 1500.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ōuchi Yoshioki restored Yoshitane to the position of Sei-i Taishōgun from Yoshizumi. In 1520, a succession crisis occurred over Hosokawa Takakuni's post. When Takakuni became Kanrei (shogun's deputy), Yoshitane strongly opposed him and he was driven out. In 1521, Emperor Go-Kashiwabara appointed Ashikaga Yoshiharu as the twelfth shōgun after Takakuni arranged him to replace Yoshitane. Eventually, after a further power struggle with the Hosokawa clan and especially with Hosokawa Takakuni, Yoshitane was forced to withdraw to Awaji Island.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1466 (1466-09-09): Birth of Ashikaga Yoshitane — The 10th Shōgun of the Ashikaga clan, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.
2. 1489: 1489 Milestone — The 9th shōgun Ashikaga Yoshihisa died in 1489 on a battlefield of southern Ōmi Province.
3. 1490: 1490 Milestone — Yoshitane was appointed shōgun in 1490.
4. 1493: 1493 Milestone — In 1493, Hatakeyama Yoshitoyo forced Yoshitane to abdicate after he lost in a power struggle against Hosokawa Masamoto.
5. 1500: 1500 Milestone — Emperor Go-Kashiwabara acceded to the throne in 1500.
6. 1501: 1501 Milestone — In his early life, he was named Yoshiki (sometimes translated as Yoshimura), and then Yoshitada — including the period of when he is first installed as shōgun; however, he changed his name to Yoshitane in 1501 in a period when he was temporarily exiled, and it is by this name that he is generally known today.
7. 1520: 1520 Milestone — In 1520, a succession crisis occurred over Hosokawa Takakuni's post.
8. 1521: 1521 Milestone — In 1521, Emperor Go-Kashiwabara appointed Ashikaga Yoshiharu as the twelfth shōgun after Takakuni arranged him to replace Yoshitane.
9. 1523 (1523-05-23): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ashikaga Yoshitane passed away on 1523-05-23, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ashikaga Yoshitane

True or False: “Ashikaga Yoshitane was continuously recognized as the supreme military ruler of Japan throughout his entire life.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His authority was frequently challenged; for instance, he was forced to abdicate in 1493 and later driven out during power struggles with the Hosokawa clan.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ashikaga Yoshitane