During this period, the Imperial Court was divided into the Southern Court for Daikakuji-to (imperial lineage starting with Emperor Kameyama) and the Northern Court for Jimyoin-to (imperial lineage from Emperor Gofukakusa to Emperor Gokomatsu).
大覚寺統の南朝(日本)と足利氏が支援する持明院統の北朝(日本)に朝廷が分かれた。