Yanagiwara Sukeakira was a Japanese nobleman (kugyō) of the late Kamakura and early Nanboku-chō period. He is the founder of the Yanagiwara family.
Born
1297
Died
August 26, 1353
Overview
Yanagiwara Sukeakira (柳原 資明, 1297－1353) was a Japanese nobleman (kugyō) of the late Kamakura and early Nanboku-chō period. He is the founder of the Yanagiwara family.
Life
Hino Sukeakira was born as the fourth son of Gon-Dainagon Hino Toshimitsu.
When the shogun Ashikaga Takauji rebelled against the Kenmu Restoration, he supported Emperor Go-Daigo of the Southern Court. His elder brother Hino Suketomo was one of the masterminds of Emperor Go-Daigo's plan to overthrow the Ashikaga shogunate.
However, with his eldest brother Hino Sukena being a favorite of Emperor Kōgon of the Northern Court, Sukeakira began his service to the Northern Court. When the Ashikaga shogunate fought against the Kenmu Restoration to support the Northern Court, Sukeakira protected Emperor Kōgon as one of the emperor's close associates. He became a senior statesman for the Northern Court building up his power rising to the court rank of Senior Second Rank and to the position of Gon-Dainagon.
