In its early years, the period was characterized in particular by the conflict between Emperor Godaigo, who dreamed of reinstituting the ancient custom of direct Imperial rule, and Takauji, who placed more emphasis on preserving the status quo (this being the essence of the Northern and Southern Courts).
その初期、古代的な天皇親政を理想とする後醍醐天皇と現状重視の尊氏を中心とした勢力が対立した（南北朝時代(日本)）。