However, when a rift in the relationship between the Emperor Godaigo and Takauji ASHIKAGA developed into the period of the Northern and Southern Courts (Japan), Yoshinao YOSHIMI sided with the Northern Court Ashikaga clan and ordered kokujin (local lords) of the Bingo Province to dispatch their troops; this is the reason why he is believed to have been in a higher position as a Minamoto clan.
しかし、後醍醐天皇と足利尊氏との間に亀裂が生じ、南北朝時代(日本)に入ると吉見頼直は北朝・足利方につき、備後国の国人に兵を送る様に要請したところから、源氏の一門として、一定の地位にあったのではないかといわれる。