Yoshimasa Shiba

Background

Yoshimasa Shiba was born in 1350. He was the fourth son of Shiba Takatsune. His family name was Ashikaga, but used the name of Shiba.

Career

Yoshimasa Shiba was shugo (governor) of Wakasa, Echizen Etchu and Noto provinces along the Japan Sea and Sado Island. He was appointed kanrei or Shogunate Prime Minister three times.

Yoshimasa Shiba was a popular statesman. He distinguished himself in the campaign against the rebellion of Yoshihiro Ouchi in 1399. When former Shogun Yoshimitsu died, Emperor Gokomatsu offered to posthumously confer him the title of Dajo-tenno (ex-emperor) but Yoshimasa persuaded Shogun Yoshimochi to decline it. Although Yoshimitsu had called himself "King of Japan" in his dealings with Ming (China), Shogun Yoshimochi refrained from doing so and severed ties with China, probablv at the advice of Yoshimasa. Yoshimasa wrote Chilmbasho, a moral code for the masses. He, however, did not refrain from forcing Yoriyuki Hosokawa, kanrei, to resign and taking his place. Yoriyuki and Yoshimasa were two distinguished statesmen of the Muromachi Period.

Connections

Father:

Shiba Takatsune