Ashina Moriuji

In this Japanese name, the surname is Ashina.

Ashina Moriuji (蘆名 盛氏; 1521 – July 28, 1580) was a Japanese daimyō of the Azuchi–Momoyama period.^[1] He ruled Kurokawa Castle and its environs in Mutsu Province in northern Japan until 1561, when he turned his domain over to his son and retired to engage in cultural pursuits.^[2]

He was responsible for building Mukaihaguroyama Castle, completed in 1561, which he used as a residence when in retirement. The artist Sesson Shukei is reported to have travelled to Aizu at least twice to give him lessons in painting – first in 1546, and then again in 1561 after Moriuji's retirement.^[3]