Ashikaga Yoshimochi

Ashikaga Yoshimochi (足利 義持, March 12, 1386 – February 3, 1428) 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 (Ōei 5, 8th month). 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.
• 1415 – Dissension between Ashikaga Mochiuji, the Kantō Kubō in Kamakura, and Uesugi Zenshū (the Kantō Kanrei).
• 1416 – Uesugi rebels.
• 1417 – Uesugi's rebellion quelled by Mochiuji.
• 1419 – Korean attack on Tsushima (Ōei Invasion).
• 1420 – Serious famine with great loss of life.
• 1422 – Resurgence of Southern Court supporters.
• 1423 – Yoshimochi cedes authority to his son.

Yoshimochi followed his father's example by formally ceding his powers to a young son, fifth shogun Ashikaga Yoshikazu, who was then 18.