Asakura Ujikage

Asakura Ujikage (1449–1486) was the eighth head of the Asakura clan, spanning the Muromachi–Sengoku transition. He was the heir of Asakura Takakage (Eirin Takakage) and succeeded to the headship on his father's death. During the Ōnin War the Asakura first sided with the Western Army, but in 1471 Ujikage went over to the Eastern camp, entering the encampment of Hosokawa Naruyuki, and consolidated his position as shugodai of Echizen. He spent the rest of his rule subduing local powers and advancing the unification of the province, laying the groundwork for the Asakura's transformation into a Sengoku daimyo house. He died in 1486; his age at death is given as 38 (some sources say 28). His son Sadakage succeeded him. Asakura Sōteki (Norikage), who later commanded the clan's armies, was his younger brother.