Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358)

Ashikaga Takauji was the first sei-i taishogun, the commander-in-chief, of the Muromachi Shogunate.

Since the Mongol invasion attempts, the Kamakura Shogunate had been losing its authority due to their lack of support for samurai warriors in difficulty, whereas Emperor Go-Daigo was full of dreams to realize direct rule; therefore, the conflict between the Kamakura Shogunate and the emperor deepened. In the meantime, in 1331, the Genko War broke out, and in 1333, Ashikaga Takauji went to Kyoto, following the order of the Shogunate; however, Takauji received a private message from the emperor and decided to be against the Shogunate. Takauji destroyed the Rokuhara Tandai, the post of the chiefs of Kamakura Shogunate [responsible for security and judicial affairs in western Japan] in Kyoto. Besides, Nitta Yoshisada, who also received a private message from the emperor, destroyed the Kamakura Shogunate, so that Emperor Go-Daigo’s dearest wish, the Kenmu Restoration, began; however, its political system prioritized the imperial family and court nobles. Takauji who was entrusted by samurai warrior class disaffected with Emperor Go-Daigo and went to Kyoto to support to enthrone Emperor Komyo to set up the Northern Court. Takauji was appointed as the sei-i taishogun by the Northern Court and established the Muromachi Shogunate, whereas Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino and established the Southern Court. This was the beginning of the Nanboku-cho Period.

Takauji is known as a brave and battlewise samurai warrior. He was also deeply religious as he worshipped Jizo Bosatsu and built Tenryuji Temple on the death of Emperor Go-Daigo with who he was opposed to while the emperor was alive. It is recorded that Shinra Zenshindo Shrine and Goho Zenshindo Shrine in Miidera Temple were restored by Takauji.