Genkō (disambiguation) facts for kids

Genkō or Genko is a Japanese word that can mean different things. It's important to know the context to understand which "Genkō" someone is talking about. It can refer to specific periods in Japanese history, a famous series of invasions, or even a special type of paper used for writing.

Genkō: Japanese Eras

In Japanese history, an "era name" (called nengō) is like a special period of time. These names are often chosen when a new emperor comes to power or for other important events. Two different eras in Japan's past were known as "Genkō."

The Genkyō Era (1321-1324)

One of the "Genkō" eras was actually called Genkyō. This period lasted from 1321 to 1324. It was a time when Japan was ruled by Emperor Go-Daigo. This era came before a lot of big changes in Japanese politics.

The Genkō Era (1331-1334)

Another era, also called Genkō, happened a few years later, from 1331 to 1334. This was a very important time because it was part of the Kenmu Restoration. This was when Emperor Go-Daigo tried to bring back direct imperial rule, challenging the power of the samurai government (the Kamakura Shogunate).

Genkō: The Mongol Invasions of Japan

The term Genkō (元寇) is also used to describe two major attempts by the Mongol Empire to invade Japan. These invasions happened in the late 1200s and were a huge deal for Japan.

What Were the Mongol Invasions?

The Mongol Empire was one of the largest empires in history. It stretched across Asia and Europe. In the 13th century, the Mongols, along with their Korean allies, tried twice to conquer Japan. These events are often called the "Mongol Invasions of Japan" or simply Genkō.

The First Invasion (1274)

The first invasion happened in 1274. A large fleet of Mongol and Korean ships sailed to Japan. They landed in Hakata Bay on the island of Kyushu. The Japanese samurai fought bravely, but the Mongols had new weapons like gunpowder bombs. However, a powerful typhoon (a huge storm) struck the bay. This storm destroyed many of the Mongol ships, forcing them to retreat.

The Second Invasion (1281)

The Mongols tried again in 1281. This time, they sent an even larger fleet, possibly one of the biggest in history. The Japanese had prepared by building a long stone wall along the coast of Hakata Bay. This wall helped them defend against the invaders. After weeks of fighting, another massive typhoon hit. This second storm was even more devastating than the first. It destroyed most of the Mongol fleet and drowned many soldiers.

The Kamikaze Wind

The Japanese believed these typhoons were divine winds sent by the gods to protect their country. They called these storms kamikaze, which means "divine wind." The kamikaze became a famous part of Japanese history and legend. These invasions showed the strength of the Japanese samurai and the importance of their natural defenses.

Genkō Yōshi: Special Paper

Genkō yōshi (原稿用紙) is a unique type of Japanese paper. It is specially designed for writing.

What is Genkō Yōshi?

This paper is usually printed with a grid of squares. Each square is meant for a single Japanese character (like a kana or kanji). There are also columns for punctuation and small marks.

How is it Used?

Genkō yōshi is often used for writing essays, stories, or other formal documents in Japanese. It helps writers keep their text neat and organized. It's also used in schools to teach students how to write properly.