En'ō facts for kids

The En'ō (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) was a special way of counting years in Japan. It was like a short period of time, called a nengō (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help), meaning "year name"). This era came after the Ryakunin era and before the Ninji era. The En'ō period lasted from February 1239 to July 1240. During this time, the emperor of Japan was Emperor Shijō (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)).

Key Events of the En'ō Era

Important Changes in 1239

• 1239 (En'ō 1, 1st month): Kujō Yoshihira (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) was a very important person in the Japanese government. He held a high position called daijo daijin, which was like a chief minister or prime minister. In 1239, he decided to leave his job and retire from public life. After retiring, he became a Buddhist priest.

• March 28, 1239 (En'ō 1, 22nd day of the 2nd month): The former Emperor Go-Toba passed away. He was 60 years old when he died.

Related Pages

• Kamakura period

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