Ashikaga The Shogun

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During the era of the shogunates, the central government of Japan was weak and feudal rulers ruled over society and the land. The shogunate or bafuku was an administrative government established to allow the military commander in chief of the country, the Shogun, to enforce his military authority over the land under his proprietorship. The Shogun did not have direct control of the political and social systems, nor the entire land of the country, and did not attempt to overthrow the emperor. However, the Shogun had complete control over the military and police power over the land and had heavy influence political, social, and economic patterns of the country. Two shogunates in particular were the Kamakura shogunate (1185 – 1333) and the Ashikaga …show more content…

However, the Emperor’s support was a pivotal role in the shogun’s ability to rule. The Emperor can appoint the title of shogun to an individual and cannot be overthrown completely as the imperial family was considered irreplaceable in Shinto religion. Most importantly, the Emperor can be influenced or manipulated by the shogun to have his goals satisfied. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu held his capital in Kyoto to be near the Emperor and was able to meet the Emperor for tea as well as spread influence for actions or favors. The shogun’s relationship with the Emperor symbolizes the strength of a shogun as well. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was close to the emperor and can be seen as powerful as the emperor because he can direct the Emperor’s power to himself. However, Minamoto Yoritomo’s relationship with the Emperor was considerably different as Yoritomo positioned his government in Kamakura and was far away from the Emperor. A decision that draws respect from the people, as it signifies how much power Yoritomo has without the Emperor and is not dependent on his presence to hold authority over the people. These two governments coexisted with each other and Yoritomo’s established government was not meant to replace the imperial government. “To exercise his military authority and mange the lands under his proprietorship, he established an administrative system in Kamakura known as the Bafuku. This was not meant to replace the imperial government in Kyoto but was designed to manage his family affairs” (88-89). Instead his government operated under the appearance of being authorized by the imperial government. Lastly, the Shogun was able to display his might and gain the respect of the people through the emperor, by overpowering the Emperor’s attempts to overthrow the forces of the shogunate. Emperor Go-Daigo failed in his

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