Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning Assassin's Creed: Shadows. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article 20 June 2025.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358 – 1408) was the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling Japan from 1368 to 1394.

Biography

While in his twenties, Yoshimitsu built the Flower Palace to the north of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, indicating he was more powerful than Emperor Chōkei. When the emperor visited Yoshimitsu, he stayed there for five days, taking part in boating, dancing, and theater, among other past times. During this visit, the emperor poured sake for Yoshimitsu, pleasing the shōgun and prompting him to dance in response to the gesture.

In 1394, Yoshimitsu abdicated in favor of his son Ashikaga Yoshimochi, choosing to devote his time to his passion of the arts. Yoshimitsu patronized all different sorts of art, from partaking in tea ceremonies to founding the Shōkoku-ji temple to serve as school of painting. He also played a major role in the creation of Noh theater, being the patron and lover of Zeami Motokiyo, the playwrite and actor considered to be Noh's founder.

Legacy

In 1582, Yaita Wakasa gifted Imai Sōkyū a dagger formerly owned by Yoshimitsu, at the end of a tea ceremony hosted by the latter.

Appearances

• Echoes of History – Shadows (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed: Shadows (mentioned only)