Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan, 1334-1615 > Status Update

Section 1: The Rival Dynasties. Go-Daigo’s Ascension, 1318.

Section 1 describes the ascension of Emperor Go-Daigo. The succession dispute between the two lines of Go-Saga paused for a time while Go-Daigo was emperor, but would be embroil the nation once he was exiled. He intended to break the pattern of early abdication; he took the action of abolishing the cloister government system. Go-Daigo intended to overthrow the Bakufu and restore the imperial court, and several conspiracies were raised that escaped the notice of Kamakura and their Rokuhara headquarters. However, he was later betrayed by one of his trusted advisors, Fujiwara Sadafusa, and the Bakufu sent a force quickly west to stop the plot.

Section 2: Go-Daigo’s Resistance and Exile.

Section 2 covers the exile of Go-Daigo and the growing conflict between the loyalists and the Bakufu. Prince Kazuhito ascended, but was not enthroned, as Go-Daigo fled with some of the imperial regalia. However, forces hostile to the Hōjō regents began accumulating, including the famous Kusunoki Masashige. Go-Daigo was captured in 1331, and banished to the island of Oki in 1332, along with some of his men. Prince Morinaga, the son of Go-Daigo, left his position at Hiyeizan and sought forces with religious bodies and warriors who disliked the Hōjō rulers. His summons were successful, and the loyalist forces had grown much by 1333. The Bakufu sent forces headed by Nikaidō and comprised of three units, led by Aso, Osaragi, and Nagoshi respectively. Despite being successful in many other regards, Chihaya fortress on Mount Kongō, lead by Kusunoki, withstood their attacks. Kusunoki’s victory boosted morale of the loyalists and won them new supporters.