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 was the second of Japan's three shogunates. The clan's influence helped shape the political landscape of Japan, as they ruled from the city of Kyoto. The Ashikaga shogunate was marked by a decentralized form of governance, leading to a period of both cultural flourishing and political strife. The clan's leadership included notable figures like Ashikaga Takauji, the founder, and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who is remembered for his patronage of the arts and the development of Zen Buddhism.