Bunna facts for kids

Bunna (also called Bunwa) was a special name for a period of time in Japanese history. Think of it like a "year name" or "era name." This era was used by the Northern Court, which was one of two rival governments during a time called the Nanboku-chō period.

The Bunna era started in September 1352 and ended in March 1356. During this time, the Emperor Go-Kōgon was the ruler in Kyoto for the Northern Court. But in a different place called Yoshino, his rival, Emperor Go-Murakami, was the ruler for the Southern Court. It was a time when Japan had two emperors at once!

What Happened During the Bunna Era?

• 1353 (Bunna 2): The Southern Court's army, led by a general named Yamana Tokiuji, took over Kyoto. But soon after, the powerful Ashikaga family, who supported the Northern Court, fought back and took Kyoto again.
• 1354 (Bunna 3): Ashikaga Takauji, the leader of the Ashikaga family, had to escape with Emperor Go-Kōgon. Also, a very important person from the Southern Court, Kitabatake Chikafusa, passed away.
• 1355 (Bunna 4): The Southern army managed to capture Kyoto once more. But just like before, the Ashikaga forces quickly recaptured the city.

The Southern Court's Era Name

While the Northern Court used "Bunna," the Southern Court had its own era name during this time.

• Shōhei, 1346–1370

Learn More

• Muromachi period