Shiba Yoshimasa

kanrei of Japan

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July 13, 2026

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Shiba Yoshimasa served as the kanrei, or shogunal deputy, during Japan's Muromachi period (1338–1573). He assisted the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in gradually reducing the power of the great military governors (shugo). Yoshimasa was instrumental in the destruction of the Yamana family in 1391 and played a role in uniting the Northern and Southern courts. He also helped control the Inland Sea by attacking the powerful shugo Ōuchi Yoshihiro. Despite his role in strengthening the shogunate's central control, the Muromachi period was marked by a delicate balance of power between the Ashikaga shogunal house and the major shugo families.1

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Japan
The establishment of the Muromachi bakufu
…deputies (kanrei) Hosokawa Yoriyuki and Shiba Yoshimasa, gradually overcame the power of the great military governors (shugo) who had been so important in the founding of the new regime. He destroyed the Yamana family in 1391, and, in uniting the Northern and Southern courts, attacked and destroyed the great shugo…
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…deputies (kanrei) Hosokawa Yoriyuki and Shiba Yoshimasa, gradually overcame the power of the great military governors (shugo) who had been so important in the founding of the new regime. He destroyed the Yamana family in 1391, and, in uniting the Northern and Southern courts, attacked and destroyed the great shugo…
Read More