Muromachi period

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Muromachi period

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A pivotal era in Japanese history (1336–1573) marked by the Ashikaga Shogunate.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Muromachi period or Muromachi era (室町時代, Muromachi jidai), also known as the Ashikaga period or Ashikaga era (足利時代, Ashikaga jidai), is a division of Japanese history running from approximately 1336 to 1573. The period marks the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate (Muromachi bakufu or Ashikaga bakufu), which was officially established in 1338 by the first Muromachi shōgun, Ashikaga Takauji, two years after the brief Kenmu Restoration (1333–1336) of imperial rule was brought to a close. The period ended in 1573 when the 15th and last shogun of this line, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, was driven out of the capital in Kyoto by Oda Nobunaga. From a cultural perspective, the period can be divided into the Kitayama and Higashiyama cultures (later 15th – early 16th centuries). The early years from 1336 to 1392 of the Muromachi period are known as the Nanboku-chō or Northern and Southern Court period.

Career & Major Achievements

This period is marked by the continued resistance of the supporters of Emperor Go-Daigo, the emperor behind the Kenmu Restoration. The Sengoku period or Warring States period, which begins in 1465, largely overlaps with the Muromachi period. The Muromachi period is succeeded by the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1600), the final phase of the Sengoku period, and later by the Edo period (1603–1867). Emperor Go-Daigo's brief attempt to restore imperial power in the Kenmu Restoration alienated the samurai class, and Ashikaga Takauji deposed Emperor Go-Daigo with samurai support. In 1338 Takauji was proclaimed shōgun and established his government in Kyoto.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from his confinement and revived his political power in Nara. The ensuing period of Ashikaga rule (1336–1573) was called Muromachi after the district of Kyoto in which its headquarters – the Hana-no-gosho (花の御所; Flower Palace) – were relocated by the third shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, in 1378. What distinguished the Ashikaga shogunate from that of Kamakura was that, whereas Kamakura had existed in equilibrium with the imperial court, Ashikaga took over the remnants of the imperial government. Nevertheless, the Ashikaga shogunate was not as strong as Kamakura had been, and was greatly preoccupied with civil war. Not until the rule of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (as shōgun, 1368–94, and chancellor, 1394–1408) did a semblance of order emerge.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1336: 1336 Milestone — The Muromachi period or Muromachi era (室町時代, Muromachi jidai), also known as the Ashikaga period or Ashikaga era (足利時代, Ashikaga jidai), is a division of Japanese history running from approximately 1336 to 1573.
2. 1338: 1338 Milestone — The period marks the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate (Muromachi bakufu or Ashikaga bakufu), which was officially established in 1338 by the first Muromachi shōgun, Ashikaga Takauji, two years after the brief Kenmu Restoration (1333–1336) of imperial rule was brought to a close.
3. 1368: 1368 Milestone — Not until the rule of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (as shōgun, 1368–94, and chancellor, 1394–1408) did a semblance of order emerge.
4. 1465: 1465 Milestone — The Sengoku period or Warring States period, which begins in 1465, largely overlaps with the Muromachi period.
5. 1568: 1568 Milestone — The Muromachi period is succeeded by the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1600), the final phase of the Sengoku period, and later by the Edo period (1603–1867).
6. 1573: 1573 Milestone — The period ended in 1573 when the 15th and last shogun of this line, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, was driven out of the capital in Kyoto by Oda Nobunaga.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muromachi period

True or False: “The Muromachi period was entirely dominated by a single, stable political structure throughout its entire duration.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The period saw significant instability, including the Nanboku-chō (Northern and Southern Court) conflict and culminating in the devastating Ōnin War.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev — Historical peer (Born in 1336) (1336): Bulgarian prelate who served as Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus', known for his writings.
• Emperor Go-Fushimi — Historical peer (Died in 1336) (1336): 93rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1298 to 1301, marking a brief but significant period.
• Alessandro Striggio the Younger — Historical peer (Born in 1573) (1573): Influential Italian librettist, renowned for Orfeo and his work with Monteverdi.
• Asakura Yoshikage — Historical peer (Died in 1573) (1573): Sengoku daimyō who ruled Echizen Province, falling to Oda Nobunaga's might.
• Charles V of France — Historical peer (Born in 1338) (1338): King of France, known as 'the Wise,' who stabilized the kingdom during the Hundred Years' War.
• Emperor Go-Kōgon — Historical peer (Born in 1338) (1338): Northern Emperor during the tumultuous Northern and Southern Courts period in Japan.
• Hōjō Takatoki — Historical peer (Died in 1333) (1333): The last ruling Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a pivotal figure in late 13th-century Japanese politics.
• Kan'ami — Historical peer (Born in 1333) (1333): Pioneering Noh actor, author, and musician who founded the Kanze school.
• Ashikaga Yoshihisa — Historical peer (Born in 1465) (1465): Ninth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.
• Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar — Historical peer (Born in 1465) (1465): Spanish conquistador and first governor of Cuba, pivotal in early colonization.

Frequently Asked Questions about Muromachi period