Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiakira, Loser or Leader?

Portrayed as a fool, addicted to alcohol and easily influenced of others, yet his record may prove differently.

The second Ashikaga Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiakira (July 4, 1330 - December 28, 1367) was born the son of the Kamakura Shogunate’s founder, Ashikaga Takauji, and his wife, Akahashi (Hojo) Toshi. The politically powerful Hojo clan had been hereditary regents since 1206 until being overthrown by the Ashikaga in 1333. Because of his mother’s Hojo ancestry, Yoshiakira, known in his childhood as Senjuou, spent his early years with his mother in Kamakura as a hostage of his grandparents, the Hojo clan –although properly tutored and very well cared for.