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

Section 3: Go-Daigo’s Return.

Section 3 covers the imperial victory over Bakufu forces. The Bakufu forces were primarily focused on Chihaya, leaving important parts of the country open to the loyalist forces. The loyalists seized the opportunity, and news of this reached Go-Daigo. Upon the insistence of Kusunoki and Morinaga, he returned to the capital in spring 1333. After this, the Bakufu sent two more divisions to the capital, lead by Nagoshi Takaiye and Ashikaga Takauji, members of important feudal houses. Nagoshi was killed in battle soon after, and Ashikaga betrayed the Bakufu, defeating the forces at Rokuhara. The two Tandai attempted to escape with the two ex-emperors and Kōgon, but one was killed and the other committed suicide, along with over 400 of his men. With this defeat, Kamakura’s rule in Kyōto all but over.

Section 4: The Fall of Kamakura.

Section 4 covers the struggles in the eastern provinces by Kamakura. One person, Nitta Yoshisada, became the warrior who would ultimately lead to the end of Kamakura. Nitta, like Ashikaga, descended from the same line of Minamoto, although the Nitta family was ranked below the Ashikaga family. Due to their ancestor not answering the Yoritomo’s call, the Nitta were not prevalent in Kamakura. They resided in regions north of Kamakura, where it is believed they waited to improve their family’s status by striking down the Hōjō clan. Their opportunity came during Go-Daigo’s uprising, and by June of 1333, Nitta and his allies began their march on Kamakura. They did not face great difficulty until reaching the Kamakura garrison, where great fighting ensued. They attacked in three divisions, but Ōdate’s right division was wiped out. Nitta’s forces were able to take advantage of a low tide and storm Kamakura from the south. This would be the death blow of Kamakura, with Takayuki setting fire to several Bakufu buildings and committing suicide with several hundreds of his men. The Hōjō tandai in Kyūshū was killed, but his counterpart at Nagato was spared, as he was not a member of the Hōjō clan.