Kitabatake Chikafusa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kitabatake Chikafusa
Kitabatake Chikafusa, as drawn by Japanese painter Kikuchi Yosai
Native name	北畠 親房
Born	March 8, 1293
Died	June 1, 1354(1354-06-01) (aged 61) Yoshino, Nara, Ashikaga shogunate
Occupation	Writer, counselor
Subject	Japanese history
Children	Kitabatake Akiie Kitabatake Akinobu Kitabatake Akiyoshi

Kitabatake Chikafusa (北畠 親房, March 8, 1293 – June 1, 1354) was an important Japanese noble and writer. He lived in the 14th century, a time when Japan had two rival emperors. This period is known as the Nanboku-cho period. Chikafusa strongly supported the Southern Court and its emperor. He worked as an advisor to five different emperors. He also wrote famous books about Japanese history. These books defended his emperor's right to rule. Chikafusa was not just a writer; he also fought in battles. He helped protect the Southern Court as a member of the Minamoto clan.

Kitabatake Chikafusa: A Noble's Life

Kitabatake Chikafusa was a respected member of the Japanese court. He was known for his intelligence and his strong loyalty. He believed deeply in the power of the emperor. He wanted to bring back older ways of governing Japan. These older ways focused more on the emperor's power.

Chikafusa's Political Views

Chikafusa did not like the Ashikaga clan. This family ruled Japan at the time as shōguns. A shogun was a military leader who held real power. The Ashikaga clan also supported a rival emperor, known as the Northern Court. Chikafusa disliked them for several reasons. He thought they were rough warriors, not refined nobles. He also believed their family was not as important as his own.

He especially disliked Ashikaga Takauji, the first Ashikaga shogun. Takauji first supported Chikafusa's emperor. But then he turned against him and led the Northern Court. Takauji tried to defeat everyone who supported the Southern Court.

Chikafusa also had mixed feelings about Nitta Yoshisada. Yoshisada was a great military leader who supported Chikafusa's emperor. But Chikafusa saw him as just another warrior. He also said Yoshisada was not always there when the emperor needed him. Chikafusa believed if Yoshisada had been more available, his own son, Kitabatake Akiie, might not have died.

Fighting for the Emperor

In 1339, Emperor Go-Daigo died. At this time, Chikafusa was under attack in his fortress. This was in a place called Hitachi Province. He sent copies of his important books to the new emperor, Emperor Go-Murakami. This new emperor was only twelve years old. Chikafusa wanted to advise him and his helpers.

Even though he was famous for his writing, Chikafusa was also a good military leader. He often held off stronger enemy forces. The attack on his fortress lasted four years. His fortress eventually fell to the shogun's supporters. But Chikafusa escaped to Yoshino. This was the capital of the Southern Court. He continued to advise the emperor there until he died in 1354.

Kitabatake Chikafusa's Writings

Chikafusa wrote about many things, especially about Japan's history and government. He often wrote about who should rightfully rule Japan.

Ideas on Land and Government

In his writings, Chikafusa talked about land ownership. He criticized the local governors and land stewards. These officials were called Shugo and Jitō. He said they were too greedy for land. He believed that this system, created in 1190, changed Japan for the worse. He thought it made the country lose its good way of governing.

Chikafusa wanted to bring back older government styles. These were from the Taihō Era around 702. This was before military leaders became powerful. He knew that some powerful warrior families, called bushi, would not give up their gains. But he wanted to get rid of the systems that gave the bushi so much power. Chikafusa saw the bushi and the military government, called the bakufu, as enemies of the emperor.

Jinnō Shōtōki: A History of Emperors

In 1339, Chikafusa wrote his most famous book, Jinnō Shōtōki. This book tells the history of Japan through its emperors. It starts from the very first legendary emperors. It goes all the way to Emperor Go-Daigo and his successor, Emperor Go-Murakami.

This book was mostly a guide for the young Emperor Go-Murakami. It also argued why the Southern Court's emperors were the true rulers. Chikafusa wrote much of it while traveling. He finished editing it in 1343.

The book also talked about the unfair way land was divided. He blamed the government and feudal lords for this problem. He wrote that seeking rewards was not proper behavior. He believed a warrior should give up land and even his life for duty. He also said that the chaos of the time came from too many people wanting too little land.

Shokugen-shō: Government Offices

Chikafusa's other major work was Shokugen-shō. He also wrote this in 1339. He wrote it mostly from memory. This was because he was under attack and could not do research at court. This book described how government offices and structures began. It also shared Chikafusa's ideas on how officials should be chosen.

Kitabatake Chikafusa's Legacy

Many people consider Kitabatake Chikafusa one of the greatest men of his time. His rival, Ashikaga Takauji, was also seen as great. Chikafusa's writings show his personal opinions and political goals. But they are still some of the most detailed accounts we have. They help us understand Japan's feudal government and imperial family history.

Honours

• Senior First Rank (April 2, 1908; given after his death)

See also

• Kitabatake clan
• Abeno Shrine
• Tenryū-ji
• Prince Kaneyoshi, an ally from his time