The term "Ashikaga" primarily refers to the Ashikaga shogunate, a feudal military government in Japan that lasted from 1336 to 1573. Founded by Ashikaga Takauji, this shogunate marked the beginning of the Muromachi period, characterized by political instability and the rise of regional warlords known as daimyōs. The shogunate played a significant role in the development of Japanese culture, including the flourishing of Zen Buddhism and the arts. The Ashikaga family was influential in Japanese history, with several shoguns from this lineage. The period saw the emergence of notable cultural practices, such as the tea ceremony and Noh theater. Despite its cultural contributions, the sh