Start of the Kango Trade between Japan and Ming China

Timeline

1. 1401–1402Kyoto · JapanIn 1401 the Muromachi shogunate, led by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, dispatched its first trade mission (led by Soa and others) to the Ming, opening official Sino-Japanese relations of the 15th–16th centuries. Although Yoshimitsu had already ceded the position of shogun to Yoshimochi in 1394, he still controlled negotiations with the Ming.
2. 1404Nanjing · JiangsuIn 1404 the Ming issued Japan the first batch of 100 kango certificates; only holders could be recognized as legitimate tribute envoys. That same year the Yongle Emperor called Yoshimitsu 'King of Japan'. Thereafter, ships to the Ming were organized by the shogunate, with Zen monks from Kyoto's Gozan serving as chief envoys.