Yoshihisa Inherits the Shogunal Office

Ashikaga Yoshihisa became shogun in the twelfth month of Bunmei 5, conventionally labeled 1473 in Japanese historical chronologies; the appointment falls in January 1474 in the Gregorian calendar. His father Yoshimasa passed on the office while the Ōnin War was still being fought. Hosokawa Katsumoto and Yamana Sōzen had died during 1473, but their coalitions had not simply dissolved.

Yoshihisa was a child. His title established the direct father-to-son succession that had competed with Yoshimi’s earlier designation, while Yoshimasa continued to exercise authority. Hino Tomiko also remained an important figure in the household. Appointment therefore settled the holder of the office without immediately providing an independent governing center.

Yoshihisa’s own role expanded over time. His 1479 ceremonial beginning of official business marked a further stage, and after Yoshimasa moved to Higashiyama in 1483 the son took a larger part in government. The father still retained influence. Yoshihisa’s 1487 expedition against the Rokkaku in Ōmi would be a later assertion of military leadership. It belongs to the adult shogun’s subsequent career, rather than the powers he possessed on appointment.