Ashikaga, though a triumphant victor, occupied a critical position. He was a choteki. As such he could never win success. He had power and resources, but, unlike others equally usurpers, was not clothed with authority. He was, in popular estimation, a rebel of the deepest dye. In such a predicament he could not safely remain a day. The people would take the side of the emperor.
What should he do? His vigor, astuteness and villainy were equal. The Hojo had deposed and set up emperors. It was Ashikaga who divided the allegiance of the people, gave Japan a “War of the Roses” (or Chrysanthemums), tilled the soil of feudalism and lighted the flames of war that made Kioto a cock-pit, abandoned the land for nearly two centuries and a half to slaughter, ignorance, and paralysis of national progress.
To clothe his acts with right, he made a new Son of Heaven. He declared Kogen, who was of the royal family, emperor. In 1336, this new Son of Heaven gave Ashikaga the title of Sei-i Tai Shogun. Kamakura again became the military capital. The duarchy was restored, and the War of the Northern and Southern Dynasties began, which lasted for fifty-six years.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
