A latter-day depiction of Ashikaga Tadayoshi, painted by Katsukawa Shuntei. Public Domain.
The “kao” (signature) of Ashikaga Tadayoshi. Public Domain.
A painting (artist unknown) of Muso Soseki, a Zen Buddhist Monk who, due to his friendly relations toward both courts, often served as a go-between for negotiations. Public Domain.
The Toji Temple complex as it appears today in Kyoto, Japan. The Ashikaga heavily patronized the establishment in their day to enhance their reputation as rulers. Source: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Golden Pavilion, called “Kinkaku-ji” in Japanese. Source: User:Fbjon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A closer view of the roof ornament, the Hoo bird, which symbolized imperial authority. Source: Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Season 8, Episode 4: The Northern and Southern Courts
A map illustrating the locations of the dueling Capitals. Kyoto is the modern name for Heian-kyo. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An illustration from Ryozan Shrine of Kitabatake Akiie, who led Emperor Go-Daigo’s army in the north but eventually died fighting in Chugoku. Public Domain.
An illustration of Ko Moroyasu, one of the members of the Ko clan who was trusted by the Ashikaga. Public Domain.
A map of Japan with Echizen Province highlighted in red. This was where Nitta Yoshisada was attempting to rally loyalist resistance against the Ashikaga. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A shrine dedicated to Nitta Yoshisada, built after a farmer in the 1600s found a helmet believed to have belonged to the loyalist general. Source: Bakkai at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A statue of Kusunoki Masashige in Tokyo. Public Domain.
A portrait of Nitta Yoshisada. Public Domain.
A diagram of the Battle of Minatogawa. Kusunoki Masashige’s contingent became completely isolated when Nitta Yoshisada abandoned the western bank to defend the army’s rear from the Hosokawa landing. Source: User:Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kusunoki Masashige’s son Masatsura offers his father a saucer of sake in a farewell ritual. Masashige’s retainers weep behind him, knowing that he plans to sacrifice his own life for Emperor Go-Daigo’s cause. Source: Public Domain.
A latter-day depiction of Kusunoki Masashige wearing courtly attire and seated next to a celestial globe. A strong departure from his usual warlike depictions. Public Domain.
A portrait of a warrior which is believed to be Ashikaga Takauji. Public Domain.
The O-Yoroi (armor) of Ashikaga Takauji, which currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.
A memorial marker commemorating the Battle of Tatarahama, where Ashikaga Takauji set the Kikuchi clan to flight and secured his place on Kyushu. Source: 震天動地, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A view from Itsukushima Shrine at high tide. This was one of Takauji’s stops on his journey to the capital, where he prayed for victory. Longtime pod listeners will remember that this shrine was originally built thanks to the support of Taira Kiyomori. Source: JohnnyOneSpeed, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A portrait of Emperor Go-Daigo, which depicts him as an enlightened ruler (the items in his hands are vajras, which are used in Shingon Buddhist rituals). Public Domain.
A statue of Prince Moriyoshi (also called Prince Morinaga) at a shrine in modern-day Kamakura. Public Domain.
A portrait of Kusunoki Masashige, a samurai who would later become a symbol of loyalty and martial virtue. Public Domain.
A portrait believed to depict Nawa Nagatoshi (top and bottom figures), who befriended Prince Moriyoshi in order to oppose Ashikaga Takauji. Public Domain.
A portrait believed to depict Ashikaga Takauji, shown here in his courtly garb but with a sword still on his hip. His act of disobedience would have vast repercussions for all of Japan. Public Domain.
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