How did the Ashikaga shogunate lead to a divided Japan?

The Ashikaga shogunate, which ruled from the 14th to the 16th centuries, led to a divided Japan primarily due to internal power struggles and the weakening of central authority. The shogunate's reliance on regional daimyos allowed these feudal lords to gain significant power, leading to conflicts and rivalries among them. This fragmentation culminated in the Sengoku period, where constant warfare and shifting alliances further divided the country, undermining the shogunate's control and stability. Ultimately, this era of division set the stage for the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate, which sought to unify Japan.