Eitoku facts for kids

The Eitoku (永徳) era was a special way to count years in Japan. It was used by the Northern Court during a time called the Nanboku-chō period, which means "Southern and Northern Courts period." This era came after the Kōryaku era and before the Shitoku era.

The Eitoku era lasted from February 1381 to February 1384. During this time, there were two groups claiming to be the rightful rulers of Japan. In Kyoto, the emperors of the Northern Court were Emperor Go-En'yū (後円融天皇, Go-En'yū-tennō) and Emperor Go-Komatsu (後小松天皇, Go-Komatsu-tennō). Their rivals, the Southern Court, were in Yoshino. Their emperors were Emperor Chōkei (長慶天皇, Chōkei-tennō) and Emperor Go-Kameyama (後亀山天皇, Go-Kameyama-tennō).

What Happened During the Eitoku Era?

Key Events from 1381 to 1384

• 1381 (Eitoku 1, 3rd month): The emperor from the Northern Court made a special visit. He traveled in a procession to see Ashikaga Yoshimitsu at his home. Yoshimitsu was a very powerful leader at the time.
• 1381 (Eitoku 1, 7th month): Nijō Yoshimoto was given a very important job. He became the Prime Minister (daijō daijin), which was the highest position in the government.
• 1382 (Eitoku 2, 1st month): Yoshimitsu received more important roles. He was made the Minister of the Left (sadaijin). A few days later, he was also named the General of the Left (sadaisho). These were high-ranking military and government positions.
• 1383 (Eitoku 3): In the Southern Court, Emperor Go-Kameyama officially became the new emperor. This is called receiving the succession.

Southern Court's Way of Counting Years

During the Eitoku era (1381–1384) for the Northern Court, the Southern Court used a different era name. They called this period the Kōwa (Muromachi period) era.

Learn More About This Time

• Muromachi period

External Resources

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

Eitoku Era Years at a Glance