Muromachi Period (1333-1568)Basic Political NarrativePolitical narrative (cont.)Daimyô: Regional LordsThree types of DaimyôPeasantryMuromachi Period(1333-1568)Basic Political Narrative• Ashikaga Takauji betrays Hojo Regents andsupports Emperor Go Daigo• Go Daigo unable to reward supporters• Property disputes break out in provinces• Ashikaga coup; Installs collateral line• Go Daigo flees: establishes Southern courtPolitical narrative (cont.)• Disputes in Kyoto left large areas without central government• Decline of shôen: shugo/jito fill power vacuum and expand territories• Onin War 1467-1477• Ushered in Warring States Period (1477-1568)Daimyô: Regional Lords• Power determined everything• Lower warriors overthrew higher• Peasants overthrew shoen officials• Daimyô: Fully independent regional leaders with private vassalsThree types of Daimyô1. Shugo/jito family2. Vassal of shugo/jito family3. Lowly samurai/warrior-farmersPeasantry• “The forces of the two factions came to the shoen day and night and expropriated our cattle, horses, resources, etc. Realizing that we would starve to death unless some action were taken we, the shoen residents, met and decided to…” (cont.)• “band together to defend the shoen with our own lives. As a result, we were able to put an end to the pillaging. But our burden has remained heavy. After the constable and governor arrived we expected to enjoy peace and tranquility but they continuously make demands upon us, first asking for recruits for their armies, and then demanding food, horses and equipment”From Premodern Japan by Mikiso Hane. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1991. p.
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