Background
Akiyoshi Kitabatake was born in 1318. He was the third son of Chikafusa Kitabatake.
Akiyoshi Kitabatake was born in 1318. He was the third son of Chikafusa Kitabatake.
Akiyoshi Kitabatake was Governor of Ise Province (Mie Prefecture) when he supplied the timber to rebuild the Imperial Palace at Ano (Nara Prefecture) which was reduced to ashes as a result of warfare (1348). Later when Emperor Gomurakami attempted to retake Kyoto from Yoshiakira Ashikag'a (the son of Takauji) he led the attack against the enemy, but was defeated and had to flee to Mt. Yoshino with the Emperor (1352). Akiyoshi was firmly set against any reconciliation with the Hokucho (north dynasty) and whenever such a proposal was brought up he voted against it, maintaining that the Nancho (south dynasty) were the real rulers of Japan.