Genkyō facts for kids

Genkyō, also called Genkō, was a special way of counting years in Japan. It's like a time period or an "era name" (called nengō in Japanese). This era came after the Gen'ō era and before the Shōchū era. The Genkyō period lasted from February 1321 to December 1324. During this time, the Emperor of Japan was Emperor Go-Daigo.

Key Events of the Genkyō Era

• 1321 (Genkyō 1, 2nd month): Saionji Kinakira passed away. He held an important government job as the Minister of the Right (udaijin). This role was like a top advisor to the Emperor.
• 1321 (Genkyō 1, 4th month): The former Emperor Go-Uda, who had retired, asked for a small chapel to be built at Daikaku-ji, a temple where he was living.
• 1321 (Genkyō 1, 5th month): The current Emperor, Go-Daigo, visited Daikaku-ji himself to see the new chapel.
• 1321 (Genkyō 1, 6th month): Hōjō Kanetoki died. He was the military governor (Chinzei-tandai) in Kyushu, which meant he was in charge of military and police matters in that part of Japan.
• 1321 (Genkyō 1, 12th month): Hōjō Norisada was chosen to be the governor of Kyoto, the capital city. At the same time, Hōjō Hidetoki was named the new military governor of Kyūshū.
• 1322 (Genkyō 2, 1st month): Emperor Go-Daigo visited the retired Emperor Go-Uda at Daikaku-ji. They enjoyed a musical concert together.
• 1322 (Genkyō 2, 1st month): Saionji Sanekane died at the age of 74.
• 1322 (Genkyō 3, 3rd month): Ichijō Uchitsune lost his job as Chancellor (kampaku). The Chancellor was a very high-ranking official who helped the Emperor with government decisions. Kujō Fusazane was then given this important position.
• 16 July 1324 (Genkyō 4, 25th day of the 6th month): The former Emperor Go-Uda passed away at 58 years old.

Related Information

• Kamakura period

External Links

• National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection
• Kyoto National Museum -- "Treasures of Daikaku-ji", including portrait of Go-Uda and the former-emperor's will