Ming Voyages

In 1369, Zhu demanded tribute from the Japanese or that they agree to accept status as vassals of China. Zhu concluded “ If there are those who nonetheless continue to engage in piracy, I will be compelled to order naval officers to set sail for Japan.’

Civil War in Japan

The Chinese threat was issued at the worst possible time, when Japan was convulsed by civil war between rival emperors of the ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ courts. Nevertheless, Prince Kanenaga, who commanded forces in the west on behalf of the Southern Court, took it upon himself to concur and offer the tribute Emperor Zhu demanded.

It was a ruse. The Prince had no authority to offer tribute or make any other proposal on behalf of the Japanese state. The situation was further complicated when Chinese rebels opposed to the Ming dynasty requested that a contingent of samurai cross over to China to implement what turned out to be an attempt to assassinate the Emperor Zhu.