Sanshu-no-Jingi

Were Only Three Regalia Ever Proof of Imperial Legitimacy?

Yesterday’s article examined the peculiar historical context of the Nanbokucho Period, an era marked by the simultaneous existence of two emperors. Emperor Go-Daigo, motivated by discontent towards the rising samurai-led government of the Kamakura Period, envisioned restoring the imperial and aristocratic authority of earlier eras. Although his revolution initially succeeded, establishing a new regime, it rapidly deteriorated into conflict with the samurai. The influential samurai leader, Ashikaga Takauji, defected, dividing Kyoto and causing the collapse of Emperor Go-Daigo’s regime within merely two years.

Consequently, Emperor Go-Daigo’s faction fled Kyoto and established their own imperial court (Southern Court, 南朝) in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, while Ashikaga Takauji established a rival court (Northern Court, 北朝) in Kyoto by enthroning Emperor Kōgon followed by Emperor Kōmyō. Thus began an era of two competing courts and emperors.