The clan is traditionally reckoned to be started by Ise Shinkurō, who came from a branch of the prestigious Ise clan, a family in the direct employment of the Ashikaga Shoguns. During the succession crisis in the 15th century, Shinkuro became associated with the Imagawa clan via the marriage of his sister to the Imagawa head, who led an army to Kyoto. Through this relationship Shinkuro quickly established a base of power in Kanto. The heads of the Late Hōjō clan were