​足利尊氏

ASHIKAGA, Takauji (1305-58)

The first shogun of the Muromachi military government (Muromachi Bakufu) from 1338 to 1358. Son of Ashikaga Sadauji and Uesugi Kyoko. During emperor Go-Daigo's Kenmu Restoration (1333-36), Ashikaga Takauji was sent by the Kamakura bakufu to fight Go-Daigo's armies. After defeating Nitta Yoshisada and Kusunoki Masashige, Takauji held the upper hand and Go-Daigo's Kenmu Restoration ended with the division to the Northern and Southern courts (Nanbokucho period, 1336-92). Takauji then turned back to Kamakura and toppled the Kamakura bakufu. He established the Ashikaga bakufu that lasted until the latter part of the sixteenth century.