The Ashikaga Clan was a prominent Japanese family that played a significant role during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). They were known for establishing the Ashikaga shogunate, which marked a shift in power from the Kamakura shogunate. The clan's influence helped shape the political landscape of Japan during this era. The clan's founder, Ashikaga Takauji, was a military leader who supported the Emperor Go-Daigo in his efforts to restore imperial power. However, Takauji later turned against the emperor, leading to a civil conflict known as the Nanboku-chō period. The Ashikaga Clan's legacy includes advancements in culture, art, and the development of the Zen Buddhism tradition in Japan.