Ashikaga Yoshimochi

Who was Ashikaga Yoshimochi?

Ashikaga Yoshimochi was the 4th shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate who reigned from 1394 to 1423 during the Muromachi period of Japan. Yoshimochi was the son of the third shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

In 1394, Yoshimitsu gave up his title in favor of his young son, and Yoshimochi was formally confirmed in his office as Seii Taishogun. Despite any appearance of retirement, the old shogun didn't abandon any of his powers, and Yoshimitsu continued to maintain authority over the shogunate until his death. Yoshimochi exercised unfettered power as shogun only after his father died in 1408.

In 1398 – in the 6th year of the reign of King Taejong of Joseon, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan. Pak Tong-chi and his retinue arrived in Kyoto in 1398. Shogun Yoshimochi presented the envoy with a formal diplomatic letter; and presents were given for the envoy to convey to the Joseon court.

Significant events shape the period during which Yoshimochi was shogun:

⁕1408 – Yoshimochi comes into his own as a shogun.

⁕1409 – Ashikaga Mochiuji becomes Kantō kubō.

⁕1411 – Yoshimochi breaks off relations with China.

⁕1413 – Emperor Go-Komatsu abdicates; Emperor Shōkō ascends throne in repudiation of agreement; renewed hostility between shogunate and supporters of Southern Court.