The first step to be taken after the defeat of the Hojos and the overthrow of the military usurpation of Kamakura was to recall the Mikado Go-Daigo (1319-1336) from exile. With the sovereign again in full power, it seemed as though the ancient and rightful government was to be permanently restored. The military or dual system had lasted about one hundred and fifty years, and patriots now hoped to see the country rightly governed, without intervention between the throne and the people.
The rewarding of the victors who had fought for him was the first duty awaiting the restored exile. The methods and procedure of feudalism were now so fixed in the general policy of the Government, that Go-Daigo, falling into the ways of the Minamoto and Hojo, apportioned military fiefs as guerdons to his vassals. Among them was Ashikaga Takauji, to whom was awarded the greatest prize, consisting of the rich provinces of Hitachi; and to Nitta, Kodzuki and Harima, besides smaller fiefs to many others.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
