Prince Moriyoshi is a brilliant and charismatic imperial prince, known for his calm looks and outstanding skills in both strategy and swordsmanship. He gained fame for leading armies against the shogunate, but political struggles led to his tragic downfall and dramatic end. He is a key figure who fiercely challenged Takauji Ashikaga, only to be defeated by the shifting tides of power.
Emperor Go-Daigo (Father)
Takayoshi (Younger Brother)
Tsuneyoshi (Younger Brother)
Kaneyoshi (Younger Brother)
Muneyoshi (Younger Brother)
Noriyoshi (Younger Brother)
Prince Moriyoshi is a handsome young man with sharp, slender eyes and a calm expression.
His look is striking and gives off a cool, noble feeling.
He is very smart and quick-witted, showing excellent leadership and the ability to pull people together.
Prince Moriyoshi is brave, sometimes reckless, but always focused on his mission.
He has a strong sense of justice, but his pride and bold actions often put him in danger.
Prince Moriyoshi is the son of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Although he served as the head abbot of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, he also sent orders to military commanders across Japan to fight against the Kamakura shogunate.
His father at one point considered him as his successor.
He is a master of martial arts and military tactics.
Prince Moriyoshi shows strong charisma, able to unify warriors, monks, and all kinds of people under his banner.
Character Stats
Strength: 83
Ferocity: 89
Intelligence: 84
Loyalty: 71
Politics: 65
Chaos: 82
Leadership: 90
Innovation: 70
Charm: 92
Escape/Stealth: 88
Skills
Sword Mastery (greatly increases sword skill)
Rowdy Lord (increases loyalty among western warriors, monks, and outlaws)
Hero of Adventure (bonus to hiding, wandering, and enduring)
Dangerous Aura (increases charm, but makes rulers much more wary)
Emblem: Chrysanthemum Imperial Crest
- Father: Emperor Go-Daigo
- Often allies and rivals: Takauji Ashikaga, Tadayoshi Ashikaga
"Emperor! Do not let that person in! Something is writhing inside him… it’s not human!"
Rising as a Hero
Prince Moriyoshi took command as his father’s representative, leading forces to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate.
He was respected for his brilliant mind, ability to inspire different groups, and direct action in key battles across Japan.
His victory led to him being named Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force.
Clash with Takauji Ashikaga
He saw Takauji Ashikaga as a dangerous rival, suspecting that Takauji would betray and seize power.
Prince Moriyoshi once tried to kill Takauji by inviting him to his mansion.
He bravely attacked Takauji’s group, defeating his followers in intense combat.
But when facing Takauji himself, he was completely overpowered.
Takauji did not even try to kill him, simply fending off Moriyoshi’s attacks with one hand and defeating all his men.
After the fight, people around ignored Moriyoshi’s fallen allies and walked behind Takauji, leaving Moriyoshi in deep shame and helplessness.
Political Downfall and Imprisonment
As Takauji’s power grew, Moriyoshi was framed for treason.
He lost in political struggles and was sent far away and locked up in Kamakura.
Tadayoshi Ashikaga and his allies kept a close eye on him, afraid he would one day return and challenge their rule.
The End
During the uprising called the "Rebellion of the Former Regent," Tokiyuki Hojo and his supporters won a big victory and took Kamakura.
Tadayoshi Ashikaga feared that if they freed Prince Moriyoshi, he might become even more dangerous—possibly leading to a new Kamakura government with Moriyoshi as Commander and Tokiyuki Hojo as Regent.
Takauji’s only instruction was, “Take care of everything.”
Understanding this, Tadayoshi sent hitmen led by Yoshihiro Fuchinobe to kill Moriyoshi as they fled Kamakura.
Moriyoshi tried to fight back, even catching a sword with his teeth, and taunted his killers.
But he had already accepted his fate.
He died bravely, thinking of his dreams with his father and hoping for a miracle to save the emperor one day.
Takauji Ashikaga saw Moriyoshi as the only real rival—“There can’t be two suns.”
Moriyoshi predicted that Takauji’s own dark side would destroy him in the end.
Killing a royal prince was considered a terrible crime, even making Tadayoshi and Noriaki Uesugi very nervous and full of guilt when they gave the order.
- Killing a royal (like Prince Moriyoshi) was a major crime known as “regicide,” leading straight to the death penalty in old Japanese law.
- The chrysanthemum crest (Imperial Seal of Japan) is Moriyoshi’s symbol.
None.
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