Ashikaga Takauji,an experienced and trusted general who was descended from the Minamoto clan, was ordered to lead his troops against Emperor Go-Daigo. He realised that the confused situation could be exploited for the benefit of his family, and he changed sides, launching an attack on Kyoto on this day. He captured the city in the emperor's name and killed the Bakufu's representatives. Kamakura itself was attacked 10 days later by another powerful samurai leader who had abandoned the Bakufu for the imperial cause: Nitta Yoshisada.