Ashikaga Yoshimochi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashikaga Yoshimochi
足利 義持 |
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| Shōgun | |
| In office 1394–1423 |
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| Monarch | |
| Preceded by | Ashikaga Yoshimitsu |
| Succeeded by | Ashikaga Yoshikazu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 12, 1386 |
| Died | February 3, 1428 (aged 41) |
| Spouse | Hino Eishi |
| Children | Ashikaga Yoshikazu |
| Parents |
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| Signature |  |
Ashikaga Yoshimochi (足利 義持, March 12, 1386 – February 3, 1428) was the fourth shōgun (military ruler) of the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan. He ruled from 1394 to 1423 during the Muromachi period. Yoshimochi was the son of the third shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
Contents
Becoming Shogun: Early Years
Ashikaga Yoshimochi became shōgun in 1394. He was still very young at the time. His father, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, officially stepped down. However, Yoshimitsu still held most of the real power. He continued to lead the government until he passed away in 1408. After his father's death, Yoshimochi truly began to rule Japan on his own.
Diplomacy and Challenges
In 1398, during Yoshimochi's early years as shōgun, Japan received a special visit. A group of diplomats from Joseon (which is now Korea) came to Kyoto. Yoshimochi sent a formal letter back with them. He also sent gifts to the Joseon court.
In 1411, Yoshimochi decided to stop official relations with China. This was a big change in Japan's foreign policy.
Changes in Emperors
In 1413, Emperor Go-Komatsu stepped down from his role. Emperor Shōkō then became the new emperor. This change caused some problems. It led to more disagreements between the shogunate and supporters of the Southern Court. The Southern Court was a rival imperial family.
Troubles in the Kanto Region
Around 1415, there was a disagreement in the Kantō region of Japan. This region included the city of Kamakura. The conflict was between Ashikaga Mochiuji, who was the Kantō kubō (a high-ranking official), and Uesugi Zenshū. Uesugi Zenshū was the Kantō kanrei (another important official). In 1416, Uesugi Zenshū rebelled against Mochiuji. However, Mochiuji was able to stop the rebellion by 1417.
Later Years and Succession
In 1419, there was an attack on Tsushima Island by Korean forces. This event is known as the Ōei Invasion. The next year, 1420, Japan faced a serious famine. Many people lost their lives during this difficult time.
In 1422, the supporters of the Southern Court became active again. They tried to challenge the shogunate's power.
In 1423, Yoshimochi decided to give his power to his son, Ashikaga Yoshikazu. Yoshikazu was 18 years old at the time. This was similar to how Yoshimochi's own father had passed on the title. However, Yoshikazu passed away in 1425. Because of this, Yoshimochi had to take back his duties as shōgun. He continued to lead until his own death in 1428.
Family Life
- Father: Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
- Mother: Fujiwara no Yoshiko (1358–1399)
- Wife: Hino Eiko (1390–1431)
- Children:
Time Periods During Yoshimochi's Rule
The years when Yoshimochi was shōgun are known by a specific Japanese era name, or nengō.
- Ōei (1394–1428)
