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 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.
A portrait of Emperor Go-Daigo by artist Bunkanbo Koshin. Unlike many of the images we have of famous Japanese leaders, this piece is contemporary: it was painted in 1339, therefore we can surmise that Emperor Go-Daigo probably looked very similar to this. Source: Public Domain
The signature of Emperor Go-Daigo, which would have appeared on official documents. Source: Go-Daigo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A portrait of a samurai believed to be Ashikaga Takauji, artist unknown. Source: Public Domain
A painting by later artist Yoshitoshi of Nitta Yoshisada offering his sword to Amaterasu in exchange for causing the tide to recede. Source: Public Domain
A statue of Kusunoki Masashige which currently sits in front of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Source: David Moore, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
A painting by Yoshitoshi of Hojo Takatoki fighting Tengu (goblin-like creatures). Source: Public Domain
Recent Comments