Yoshimitsu, since his younger days, had deeply admired Ming, wishing to establish trade between Japan and Ming. However, the government of Ming recognized Prince Kanenaga sole counterpart for negotiations, therefore, Yoshimitsu's wish was not fulfilled.
義満は若年の頃から明への憧憬が深く早くから日明通交を望んでいたが、明側では南朝の懐良親王を「日本国王良懐」として日本における唯一の正規な通交相手として認めていたため、かなわなかった。