Takayoshi Ashikaga, the eldest son of the seventh family head Sadauji ASHIKAGA by his wife, Lady Shakado, who was a daughter of Akitoki KANAZAWA of the Hojo family, died young so Takauji ASHIKAGA, Sadauji's son by Kiyoko UESUGI, the daughter of Yorishige UESUGI, who was the son of Shigefusa UESUGI, became the 8th head of the Ashikaga family.
第7代当主・足利貞氏は正室である北条一族の金沢顕時の娘・釈迦堂殿との間に長男・足利高義をもうけたが、高義は早世したため上杉重房の子・上杉頼重の娘・上杉清子との間にもうけた足利尊氏（高氏）が足利氏第8代当主を継いだ。