Shogun Ashikaga Takauji

First of the Ashikaga Shogun, died on this day, June 7, 1358.

Described as one of the leading samurai commanders, Warrior, Statesman and Shogun Ashikaga Tadauji was said to have been brave and in total control of himself in battle, completely unafraid of death, merciful and tolerant towards his enemies and opponents, kind and generous to his followers.

Born August 18, 1305 in either Kyoto’s Ayabe district, Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture or in Tochigi Prefecture’s Ashikawa, Ashikaga Takauji was originally the leading General of the Kamakura Shogunate, and was tasked with suppressing the 1331-1333 Genko War, a two-year long battle fought in and around Kyoto between Emperor Go-Daigo and the Shogunate that marked the end of both the Kamakura Shogunate and the controlling reign of the Hojo clan regents. Beginning in 1331, the Emperor Go-Daigo attempted to regain power and overthrow Kamakura's influence, but during the attempt was betrayed by Yoshida Sadafusa and defeated. Ashikaga Takauji, disillusioned by Kamakura, would turn against the influential Hojo clan and instead fight for the Emperor.