Ashikaga Yoshimitsu: A Life of Power and Patronage Early Life and Ascension Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (September 25, 1358 – May 31, 1408) was the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling Japan during the Muromachi period. Born in Kyoto as Haruō, he was the oldest surviving son of Ashikaga Yoshiakira. He ascended to the position of shōgun at the young age of ten in 1368, inheriting a hereditary title that commanded the military estate. By twenty, Yoshimitsu had gained prominence within the imperial court, serving as acting grand counselor (gon dainagon). Political and Institutional…