Ashikaga Shogunate: Map & History

Government structure

The Ashikaga shogunate was the weakest of the three Japanese military governments. Unlike its predecessor, the Kamakura shogunate, or its successor, the Tokugawa shogunate, when Ashikaga Takauji established his government he had little personal territory with which to support his rule. The Ashikaga shogunate was thus heavily reliant on the prestige and personal authority of its shōgun. The centralized master-vassal system used in the Kamakura system was replaced with the highly de-centralized daimyōs (local lord) system, and because of the lack of direct territories, the military power of the shōgun depended heavily on the loyalty of the daimyō.

On the other hand, the Imperial court was no longer a credible threat to military rule.

Culture and Arts

The Ashikaga era was a melting pot for the development of culture and art. Zen Buddhism was a large contributor to the arts. The tea ceremony was transformed from a large open room to a small quiet setting. Tea became more of a meditation method and something to practice to relax and find elements of Zen. Floral arrangements also became a form of art. The arranging of flowers became something of spiritual value. Often used as offerings to Buddha and to show faith in the heavens. The Noh Theater was also created in this time period. The performances were enjoyed by nobles and elites, and were heavily protected. Helping to expand themes of shows and create poetry. During the times of the Onin war, the performing arts had suffered but were quickly resurrected when power had fully shifted.

Background and early period

From 1180 to 1185, the Genpei War was fought between the Taira and Minamoto clans, which had a longstanding violent rivalry for influence over the Emperor of Japan and his Imperial Court. The Genpei War ended with victory for the Minamoto under Minamoto no Yoritomo, establishing the Kamakura shogunate after being pronounced Shōgun and beginning the Kamakura period. The Hōjō clan rose to power and governed Japan from the city of Kamakura, while the Emperor and his Imperial Court remained in the official capital city of Heian-kyō as largely symbolic figures. The Hōjō monopoly of power, as well as the lack of a reward of lands after the defeat of the Mongol invasions, led to simmering resentment among Hōjō vassals.