EUROPA UNIVERSALIS 5: THE WOES OF JAPAN IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES

The late 15th century has been a tumultuous time for Japan, as rival clans vie for power and the once-mighty Shogunate struggles to maintain its authority. The Hosokawa, Hatakeyama, and Shiba clans have long been closely tied to the Shogunate, with many of their leaders serving as Kanrei, or formal deputy of the Shogun. However, in recent years, these powerful clans have begun to rival the Shogunate for control, seeking to expand their influence and territory.

The death of Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu has been a significant blow to the Shogunate's power, as the more influential clans seek to fill the vacuum left by his passing. In quick succession, several Ashikaga Shoguns have died under mysterious circumstances, further destabilizing the situation. The current state of affairs is one of uncertainty and instability, with the Shogunate struggling to maintain its authority in the face of growing challenges.

In practice, the government of Japan has effectively devolved into a system where the Shogun, nominally the emperor's deputy in military matters, holds significant power. However, the Emperor Go-Hanazono, who resides in Kyoto, remains the nominal ruler of the Empire of Japan, with a lineage dating back over 2000 years.

Despite the challenges facing the Shogunate, the Daimyo – the leading lords of the powerful clans – continue to exert significant influence over their respective domains. With almost total power at their disposal, these powerful individuals are well-positioned to shape the future of Japan and potentially challenge the authority of the Shogunate.

The raids that have plagued Kyoto in recent years serve as a stark reminder that even the capital is not immune to violence and instability. In this climate of uncertainty, it remains to be seen whether the Shogunate will be able to maintain its grip on power or whether one of the powerful clans will rise to prominence and reshape the course of Japanese history.

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