All the People

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Ashikaga Takauji

Japanese Shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
August 18th, 1305 720 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1358 667 years ago — 52 years old

Established the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan, leading to a period known as the Muromachi period. Initially served the Kamakura shogunate before opposing it. His military strategies and political acumen played a pivotal role in the downfall of the Kamakura shogunate. Took control of Kyoto, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese governance. Implemented policies that shaped the political landscape during his reign.

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Ashikaga Yoshiaki

Japanese shōgun during the Sengoku period
Born
December 5th, 1537 488 years ago
Died
1597 429 years ago — 60 years old

Assumed the position of shōgun in 1568 during the late Sengoku period of Japan. His tenure was marked by the attempts to unify Japan amidst civil conflict. Yoshiaki was supported by Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo, but later fell out of favor as Nobunaga grew more dominant and sought to eliminate rival factions. The shōgunate under Yoshiaki faced significant challenges, including internal strife and power struggles. Eventually, Yoshiaki was forced to flee and relinquished power by 1573. His period in power is noted for the turbulent political landscape as various factions vied for control.

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Ashikaga Yoshiakira

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
July 4th, 1330 695 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1367 658 years ago — 37 years old

Served as the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1351 until 1367. Oversaw the period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan, a significant civil conflict that arose during the Nanboku-chō period. Yoshiakira’s leadership was marked by attempts to consolidate power and bring stability to the region amidst the ongoing strife of rival claimants to the throne. Faced with challenges from both internal factions and external pressures, his tenure contributed to the establishment of the Muromachi period's governance framework, which influenced Japanese politics for generations. His rule ended with his death in 1367, leading to a succession crisis.

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Ashikaga Yoshiharu

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
1510 516 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1550 475 years ago — 40 years old

Descended from the Ashikaga clan, held the position of shōgun from 1521 until 1546 during the Muromachi period in Japan. His rule was marked by internal conflict and the declining power of the shōgunate. Faced challenges from daimyōs and rival factions, leading to a fragmented political landscape. The period saw frequent power struggles among the samurai elite, resulting in decreased authority of the shōgun. The conclusive loss occurred against the forces of Matsunaga Hisahide, contributing to the further decline of the Ashikaga shōgunate. Yoshiharu's leadership style reflected the complexities of governance during a tumultuous era, characterized by shifting allegiances and inequality.

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Ashikaga Yoshihide

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
1539 487 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1568 457 years ago — 29 years old

Held the position of the 15th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate. His tenure was marked by political instability and strife during a tumultuous period in Japanese history. Ascended to power in 1568 but ruled for a short time before his death later that year. Faced challenges from rival factions and struggled to maintain authority over Japan during the Sengoku period.

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Ashikaga Yoshihisa

Japanese shogun during the Muromachi period
Born
December 11th, 1465 560 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1489 536 years ago — 23 years old

Served as the 10th shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1464 until 1489. Ascended to power at a young age, his leadership coincided with significant political instability and conflict during the Onin War. Inheriting the shogunate at the age of 14, multiple clan conflicts arose, weakening centralized authority. His tenure included efforts to manage the power struggles among feudal lords and attempts to restore governance despite the chaos of civil war. Died at the age of 24, leaving a legacy intertwined with the complexities of the era.

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Ashikaga Yoshikatsu

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
March 19th, 1434 591 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1443 582 years ago — 9 years old

Served as the sixth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan. Reigned from 1440 until his death in 1443. His tenure was marked by political instability and internal conflict within the shogunate. Following his early death, his younger brother assumed the position, continuing the lineage of the Ashikaga family. The era was characterized by power struggles that influenced the political landscape of Japan.

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Ashikaga Yoshikazu

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
August 27th, 1407 618 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1425 600 years ago — 17 years old

Served as the sixth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1423 until 1425. His tenure was marked by a continuation of the political instability that affected the region. Yoshikazu attempted to manage conflicts between rival factions and uphold the authority of the shogunate. His reign ended with his death in 1425, which led to further power struggles within the Ashikaga clan and the weakening of shogunal authority in subsequent years.

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Ashikaga Yoshimasa

Japanese shōgun and cultural patron
Born
January 20th, 1436 590 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1490 535 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 1436, served as the 8th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1449 until 1473. Oversaw a period marked by cultural flourishing in Japan, particularly during the Muromachi period. Established the Ginkaku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto, and supported the development of the tea ceremony and ink painting. His reign faced political turmoil and civil strife, culminating in the Onin War, which significantly affected the governance of Japan. Although governance waned, the cultural heritage initiated during his tenure later influenced various art forms and Japanese aesthetics.

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Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Japanese shōgun and Zen patron
Born
September 25th, 1358 667 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1408 617 years ago — 49 years old

Served as the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1394 until death in 1408. Played a significant role in the Muromachi period of Japan, fostering culture and political stability. Initiated a period of relative peace and patronized the arts, including Noh theater. Expanded the influence of the Ashikaga clan and established the foundations for the flourishing of Japanese culture during later periods.

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Ashikaga Yoshimochi

Japanese shōgun during the Muromachi period
Born
1386 640 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1428 597 years ago — 42 years old

Served as the fourth shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1409 until his death in 1428. Succeeded his father, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and inherited a period marked by political strife and the need to consolidate power among the various clans. His rule saw the continuation of the civil conflicts that characterized the era, known as the Nanboku-chō period. Initiated a series of diplomatic relations with the Ryukyu Kingdom, thereby expanding trade. Despite challenges, managed to maintain control over the eastern provinces.

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Ashikaga Yoshinori

Japanese shōgun during Muromachi period
Born
July 12th, 1394 631 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1441 584 years ago — 47 years old

Born in 1394, held the position of shōgun from 1429 until 1441. His reign was marked by attempts to strengthen the Ashikaga shogunate and consolidate power within the court. Faced challenges from regional rivalries and conflicts during his tenure. Known for the tumultuous political landscape of the Muromachi period. Assassinated in 1441, his death led to further instability in the region.

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