52 Fifte-seven Years of the Yoshino Court [1] The Kenmu Restoration failed, revealing its instability. It had taken a decade of concerted effort from the Shouchuu Incident (1324), when the Bakufu force attacked the houses of Toki and Tajimi. Many wabbiors had sacrificed their lives for the destruction of the Kamakura Bakufu. Yet once imperial rule was restored, Ashikaga Takauji revolted, and the sftermath was similar to the tragic events that followed the Joukyuu (1221). Emperor Go-Daigo went up to Mt. Yoshino in the 12th momth of the first year of the Engen era (1336). There he was succeeded by Emperor Go-Murakami, Choukei, and Go-Kameyama. Emperor Go-Kameyama returned to Kyouto in the winter of the 9th year of the Genchuu era (1392), which marks the end of this period of 57 years. Four generation of sovereign left the capital, to live in desolate temporary headquarters in the mountain of Yoshino (Nara Prefecture). (an omission) If their wish were merely to return to the capital, they could have done so at any time. They had only to hand over the three imperial regalia, according to the demands made by Ashikaga Takauji, and recognize his Bakufu. Ashikaga Takauji would have received the Emperors gladly. However, that would be submitting to force and condoning treason, thus ignoring moral principles. Moreover, the past sacrifices of the loyal subjects since the Joukyuu War would all have been for nothing. Thus Emperor Go-Daigo never forgave Ashikaga Takauji or recognized his Bakufu, in spite of his own suffering. His posthumous instructions, according to The Chronicle of Grand Pacification (Taiheiki), were: "My only wish is to completely vanquish the enemy of the imperial court, and bring peace to Japan. Upon my untimely death, institute the Seventh Prince (Emperor Go-Murakami) as Emperor; let wise and loyal subjects discuss the matters of government; prize the loyalty and worth of Nitta Yoshisada and his younger brother Nitta Yoshisuke; if their descendants remain just and honorable, they should keep the peace as the most trusted retainers. My spirit shall constantly face northward towards the imperial palace, even though my ashes lie buried beneath the mosses of Mt. Yoshino. If any disobey my decree and take lightly their service for the nation, the Emperor will cease to be legitimate, and the subjects will not be loyal followers." The Emperor would permit no compromise with anarchy and depravity. He ordered that there be no truce with Ashikaga Takauji, at the expense of deserting the loyal clans Nitta, Kusunoki, Nawa and Kikuchi. Because of this unshakable determination, four generations of sovereign led desolate lives for 57 years. This is an important aspect of the national character of Japan and its history. Let us consider his subjects. When Ashikaga Takauji came up to Kyouto from Kyuushuu with a large army, Kusunoki Masashige proposed a strategy; let the enemy enter into the city of Kyouto, then surround them on four sides and attack. The court refused this idea; instead, Kusunoki Masashige was commanded to defend the capital, barring them from entering it. Kusunoki Masashige obeyed the decree without question, and headed to Hyougo. According to The Chronicle of Grand Pacification (Taiheki), "Kusunoki Masashige thought this would be the last battle. At this time his first son Masatsura, age 11, accompained him. Masashige told the boy that he was to return to Province of Kawachi (Ohsaka Prefecture) from Sakyrai Station. Masashige's last words to his son were: 'Three days after the birth of its cub, a lion throws it from a cliff of several thousand jou (over 3,000 meters) height. If the cub is talented, it will instinctively turn in mid-air and will survive the faii. You, who are over 10 years old, remember my words and heed them always. I think the forthcoming battle will be decisive. Probably this will be the last time I see you in this world. When you hear that Masasige has died in battle, never doubt that political power is in Ashikaga Takauji's hands. However, do not sacrifice years of dedication by surrendering, merely to preserve your life for a short time. If there is a single child alive within our clan, hold firm at the foot of Mt. Kongou. When the enemy attacks, fight so bravely that only the skilful bow of Yang-you can fell you. Be as dedicated as Emperor Gao's loyal subject Jixin. This is the utmost you can do as my son,' Masashige, with tears in his eyes, spoke to his son and they parted, one to the east, the other to the west." This was tha last lesson Kusunoki Masashige gave to his son Masatsura. A few days later, agter a desperate fight, Kusunoki Masashige and his younger brother Masasue committed suicide by stabbing each other with their swords. The Chronicle of Grand Pacification (Taiheiki) describes this, and then continues: "Since the Genkou Incident, how many tens of thousands of men had been given the honor of being requested to serve the Emperor, have performed their acts of duty and then boasted of their accomplishments ? But after these wars, dishonorable men turned their backs on the imperial house and sided with the enemy. Those who were cowards tried to escape death and were executed. Those who were ignorant did not understand the changing times and could not follow the right path. Yet among them, from antiquity to the present, there was none like Kusunoki Masashige, a man of wisdom, kindness and courage, who upheld justice with his own life. His and his brother's suicides may have been the sign that August Emperor Go-Daigo would again be deposed, and that his treacherous subjects would take power illegally." We do not know the identity of the auther of The Chronicle of Grand Pacification (Taiheiki), but it was written during the rule of the Ashikaga. Yet the book accuses the Ashikaga clan of being rebels, and praises Kusunoki Masashige who committed suicide. The auther must have been a particularly astute historian with a strong sense of justice, and the courage to express his views openly. (Rest omitted)

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