Gen'ei facts for kids

The Gen'ei (元永) period was a special way the Japanese people kept track of time, like how we use years today. It came after the Eikyū period and before the Hōan period. This time period lasted from April 1118 to April 1120. During these years, the emperor who ruled Japan was Emperor Toba.

What Was the Gen'ei Era?

In Japan's history, especially during the Heian period, people used "era names" (called nengō) to mark different periods of time. The Gen'ei era was one of these periods. It was a short time, lasting only about two years.

Key Events During Gen'ei

Even though the Gen'ei era was short, some important things happened.

Emperor Toba's Special Trip

• 1118 (Gen'ei 1, 9th month): Emperor Toba went on a special trip to the Kumano Shrines in Wakayama Prefecture. These shrines are very important religious places. The three main Kumano shrines are Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. People often made these trips to show their devotion.

A Festival at Saishō-ji

• 1118 (Gen'ei 1, 12th month): Emperor Toba also went to a festival at a place called Saishō-ji. This shows that even emperors took part in public and religious celebrations.

How Gen'ei Fits in Time

The Gen'ei era helps us understand how different periods in Japanese history connect.

This table shows how the Gen'ei era years match up with the years we use today on the Gregorian calendar.

This second table helps us see that the Gen'ei era was a bridge between the Eikyū era and the Hōan era.

Learn More

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