Genka calendar facts for kids
The Genka calendar (also called Genka-reki) was a special way to keep track of days and years in Japan. It was a type of lunisolar calendar, which means it used both the Moon's phases and the Sun's position to decide dates. This calendar was used in Japan for a long time, from the year 604 until 696.
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What is a Lunisolar Calendar?
A lunisolar calendar tries to match both the Moon's cycles and the Sun's yearly path. Most calendars today, like the one you use, are solar calendars. They only follow the Sun. But lunisolar calendars try to keep the months aligned with the Moon's phases while also making sure the year stays in sync with the seasons. This often means adding an extra month every few years to catch up.
History of the Genka Calendar
The Genka calendar wasn't first made in Japan. It was actually created in China way back in the year 425. This was during a time in Chinese history known as the Genka era.
How it Came to Japan
This calendar system traveled to Japan from Korea. A Buddhist monk helped bring this important knowledge across the sea. The first time we know for sure the Genka calendar was used in Japan was in the year 602. This was during the rule of Empress Suiko.
When it Was Used
The Genka calendar was the main way to tell dates in Japan for nearly a century. Historians believe that many of the dates written in the ancient Japanese book called the Nihon Shoki were based on this calendar. This was especially true for events that happened before the late 600s.
Related Calendars and Systems
The Genka calendar was just one of many different ways people have kept track of time in Japan. Over the centuries, new and improved calendars were introduced.
More Information
- National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar"
