📖 Southern and Northern Dynasties Period

The Nanboku-chō period lasted from 1336 to 1392, approximately 60 years. It was the first time in Japanese history that there were two emperors, one from the South and one from the North, leading to a split between the two courts. Amidst the long-standing standoff between the Southern and Northern courts, internal conflicts within the shogunate intensified over power struggles, resulting in a division into two major factions. It can be said that the Nanboku-chō period was an extremely turbulent and unstable time. This article will trace the historical process of the Nanboku-chō period, reminiscent of a chaotic autumn, and introduce the social, economic, and cultural aspects of that time.

The country was divided into two courts, the Southern and Northern courts, each with its own emperor. Within the Muromachi shogunate, factions led by Ashikaga Takauji and Ashikaga Tadayoshi emerged, creating irreconcilable divisions. The split within the court and the shogunate caused chaos among the samurai. Local warrior leaders, who were granted the title of "Shugo Daimyo" by the shogunate, gradually became rulers with real power in their respective regions. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu accomplished the great achievement of unifying the Southern and Northern courts.