Enkyō (Kamakura period) facts for kids

Enkyō (延慶), also known as Enkei or Enkyū, was a special way to count years in Japan. It was a Japanese era (called a nengō) that came after the Tokuji era and before the Ōchō era.

This period of time started in October 1308 and finished in April 1311. During these years, the emperor of Japan was Hanazono-tennō (花園天皇).

The name Enkyō means "Becoming Prolonged." This name was chosen because a very large comet was seen in the night sky in 1308. Its long tail made people think of something becoming prolonged.

What Happened During the Enkyō Era?

During the Enkyō era, important events shaped Japan. The country was in the Kamakura period, a time when military leaders had a lot of power.

Important Events and Dates

• 1308 (Enkyō 1): A sad event happened this year. Emperor Go-Nijō passed away. After his death, the throne went to his cousin, who became known as Emperor Hanazono. The new emperor was only 12 years old when he took the throne.
• 1310 (Enkyō 3, 11th month): A leader named Hōjō Sadafusa died. He was the representative for the military government in Kamakura, located in Kyoto. After his death, Hōjō Tokiatsu was chosen to take his place.

The Tale of the Heike

An early version of a famous Japanese story called The Tale of the Heike (Heike monogatori) was being written around this time. This story tells about a big war between two powerful families in Japan's history.

Related Pages

• Kamakura period
• Enkyō (Edo period), 1744-1748

• National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar"