Ashikaga Takauji

Ashikaga Takauji, a general of the Kamakura shogunate, switched allegiance to Emperor Go-Daigo during the Genko War. He attacked the shogunate's forces in Kyoto, leading to the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. This betrayal was a pivotal moment in the restoration of imperial rule.

Ashikaga Takauji's forces defeated the imperial loyalist army led by Kusunoki Masashige and Nitta Yoshisada at Minatogawa. This decisive victory allowed Takauji to capture Kyoto and consolidate his power, leading to the establishment of the Northern Court and the Ashikaga shogunate.

Ashikaga Takauji promulgated the Kemmu Code, a legal code that outlined the principles of governance for the Ashikaga shogunate. It aimed to restore order after the Nanboku-cho wars and defined the relationship between the shogunate and the imperial court, emphasizing military rule.

Ashikaga Takauji was appointed shogun by Emperor Go-Daigo, formally establishing the Ashikaga shogunate. This followed his successful rebellion against the Kamakura shogunate and his defeat of the loyalist forces. The shogunate ruled Japan from Kyoto for over 200 years.