Genchū facts for kids
The Genchū (元中) era was a special time in Japanese history. It was a "year name" (called nengō in Japanese) used by the Southern Court. This was one of two rival courts during the Nanboku-chō period, a time when Japan had two emperors at once!
The Genchū era lasted from April 1384 to October 1392. It was the very last era used by the Southern Court. During this time, Emperor Go-Kameyama was the ruler of the Southern Court, based in Yoshino. In Kyoto, the Northern Court had its own emperor, Emperor Go-Komatsu. After 1392, these two courts finally reunited. Emperor Go-Komatsu then became the official 100th emperor of all Japan.
Key Events During Genchū
Here are some important things that happened during the Genchū era:
- 1391 (Genchū 8): A powerful warrior named Yamana Ujikyo launched an attack on Kyoto. Kyoto was the capital city where the Northern Court was located.
- 1392 (Genchū 9): This year is also known as Meitoku 3 in the Northern Court's calendar. In a very important event, the Northern and Southern Courts finally came together. They reunited under Emperor Go-Komatsu. This ended the long period of two separate imperial courts in Japan.
Northern Court Era Names
While the Southern Court used the Genchū era name, the Northern Court had its own set of nengō (era names) during the same time:
- Shitoku: This era lasted from 1384 to 1387.
- Kakei: This era was from 1387 to 1389.
- Kōō: This era covered 1389 to 1390.
- Meitoku: This era began in 1390 and continued until 1394. The reunion of the courts happened during the Meitoku era for the Northern Court.
Related Pages
- Muromachi period
- National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection
