His birthplace is said to be Ōmi or Kii, and little is known of his family (debated).
Around this time he is thought to have entered Shōkoku-ji in Kyoto and studied as a Zen monk.
From around this time, at about 30, he took up renga seriously—linked verse in which several poets alternate upper and lower stanzas—studying under masters such as Sōzei and Shinkei.
Going to the Kantō, he received from the warrior-poet Tō no Tsuneyori the secret interpretations of the Kokinshū (Kokin denju), becoming recognized as an heir to the true waka tradition.
While keeping his hermitage Shugyoku-an in war-torn Kyoto, he traveled at the invitation of lords such as the Uesugi of Echigo and the Ōuchi of Suō. Renga was hugely popular among warriors too.
With his disciples Shōhaku and Sōchō he composed the Minase Sangin Hyakuin in memory of retired Emperor Go-Toba, a masterpiece regarded as a model of renga. That year he became head of the Kitano Shrine renga office, the foremost figure in the art.
With other poets he compiled the Shinsen Tsukubashū, an anthology of fine renga that the court accorded quasi-imperial status.
Traveling from Echigo toward Suruga with his disciple Sōchō and others, he died at Yumoto in Hakone. His end—living and dying on the road—is recorded in Sōchō's account of his death. Matsuo Bashō later revered him.
Matsuo BashōNijō YoshimotoAsakura Takakage (Toshikage)
NisshinUesugi NorizaneRennyoSesshūAsakura Takakage (Toshikage)Hosokawa KatsumotoŌta DōkanAshikaga Yoshimasa
People of the Muromachi period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.