Daiji (era) facts for kids

The Daiji (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) was a special way of counting years in Japan. It was like a time period or an "era name" (called nengō). The Daiji era came after the Tenji era and before the Tenshō era. It lasted from January 1126 to January 1131. During this time, Emperor Sutoku was the ruler of Japan.

Important Events of the Daiji Era

Building Temples: A Sacred Promise

In 1128 (which was the 3rd year of Daiji), a powerful woman named Taiken-mon In made an important decision. She ordered the building of a temple called Enshō-ji. She did this because of a special promise she had made to a god or spirit. This temple was part of a group of "sacred vow temples" (called gogan-ji). These temples were built to fulfill important religious promises.

A New Chief Advisor: Fujiwara Tadamichi

Also in 1128 (the 3rd year of Daiji), a man named Fujiwara Tadamichi received a very important job. He was given the role of kampaku. The kampaku was like the chief advisor to the emperor. This person helped the emperor make big decisions and managed the government. It was a very powerful position in ancient Japan.

The Passing of a Former Emperor

On July 24, 1129 (the 4th year of Daiji), a very important person passed away. This was Former-Emperor Shirakawa. He was 77 years old when he died. Even though he was no longer the reigning emperor, former emperors often still had a lot of influence and power in Japan at that time. His death was a significant event during the Daiji era.

Learn More About This Time

• Heian period
• National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection