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

Section 4: Minatogawa

Section 4 details the battle of Minatogawa. Ultimately, Ashikaga forces were victorious. Nitta Yoshisada among other loyalists fled, but Kusunoki and members of his clan fought in the heat for hours before eventually being killed or dying by their own hands. The loss of Kusunoki Masashige was a massive blow to the loyalist cause, as he was (and still is) a man of high regard. However, the loyalist cause did not yet finish, and Nitta would continue to lead resistance against the Ashikaga even after the battle of Minatogawa. Another interesting thing the chapter notes is how many warriors/clans chose their allegiances for practical reasons over any real feelings of loyalty. Some clans split in half, conspiring with each other as one faction supported Ashikaga and the other Go-Daigo. Kusunoki stands out as his loyalty to the throne “was entirely unselfish” (53), despite being a rather well off member of the gentry.

Section 5: Takauji’s Success

Section 5 details the Ashikaga clan’s success after their victory at Minatogawa. After 3 additional months of fighting, and a close call in an attack on Takauji in Kyōto, Takauji invited Go-Daigo to return to the capital and govern the country. Of course, he did not retain his full power, instead he was given the title of “Dajō Tennō” (or, Grand Sovereign). Instead, Kōmyō-In, younger brother of Kōgon, former nominal emperor of the senior line, was made Emperor. However, Takauji made Go-Daigo’s son Narinaga the Crown Prince, striking a balance between the senior and junior line. Takauji then worked to establish a new Bakufu, this time in Kyōto. He was promoted to Gon-Dainagon, also known as the Kamakura Dainagon, and soon laid down legal principles (though not necessarily his own, as he would never diminish his own power) in the Kemmu Shikimoku.

Section 6: The Kemmu Shikimoku

Section 6 describes the Kemmu Shikimoku as well as how Ashikaga initially set up the new Bakufu. The Kemmu Shikimoku itself is not a judicial document, instead serving as a guide for the new government. It has 17 articles (which is too many to list here) dealing with contemporary issues. It was based on the earlier Jōei Shikimoku of the Kamakura Bakufu of a century prior. Settling into his role as Shōgun, Takauji established his headquarters at Nijō-Takakura Palace. He made appointments to the roles of Deputy (Shitsuji) and the chief judicial organ of Monchūjo. However, there would be no building for Bakufu officials until the building of a palace in the Muromachi quarter, where the era would later draw its name from. Despite cementing themselves in the capital, the new Bakufu would spend the next several decades fighting yet another civil war against Go-Daigo and the adherents to the junior line.