Engi (era) facts for kids

The Engi (pronounced En-gee) era was a special way of counting years in ancient Japan. It was like a time period that lasted from July 901 to April 923. This era came after the Shōtai era and before the Enchō era. During the Engi era, the emperor of Japan was Emperor Daigo.

Important Events of the Engi Era

This period saw some interesting events that shaped Japan.

A Solar Eclipse in 901

• February 1, 901 (the first day of the first month of Engi 1): People in Japan witnessed a solar eclipse. This is when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light.

The Sugawara Michizane Incident

• 901 (Engi 1): Something mysterious happened involving a very important scholar and politician named Sugawara Michizane. The details are not fully known because Emperor Daigo ordered that all diaries and records about this event be burned. This makes it hard for historians to know exactly what occurred.

The Kokin Wakashū Poetry Collection

• May 905 (the fourth month of Engi 5): A famous poet named Ki-no Tsurayuki presented a special collection of Japanese poems called the Kokin Wakashū to the emperor. This collection is very important in Japanese literature and includes many beautiful waka poems.

The Death of Fujiwara no Tokihira

• 909 (the fourth month of Engi 9): Fujiwara no Tokihira passed away at the age of 39. He was a very powerful politician who held the important position of Minister of the Left (called sadaijin). This role was similar to a top government minister today.

Related Pages

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