Genna facts for kids

Genna (元和) was a special name for a period of time in Japanese history, like an era. It came after the Keichō era and before the Kan'ei era. This time period lasted from July 1615 to February 1624. During the Genna era, Go-Mizunoo-tennō (後水尾天皇) was the ruler of Japan. The name Genna means "Commencement of Concord," which suggests a time of peace and agreement.

Important Events During Genna

Osaka Castle was burned in the first year of the Genna era.

• 1615 (Genna 1): Forces led by the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu burned down Osaka Castle. This was a big event that helped the Tokugawa family gain more control.
• September 1, 1615 (Genna 1): Tokugawa Ieyasu also ordered the tearing down of Hōkoku-jinja in Kyoto.
• 1616 (Genna 2): A book called Genna kokaisho was published by Kida Kōan. This book was about how to navigate ships in the ocean.
• June 1, 1616 (Genna 2): Tokugawa Ieyasu, a very important leader in Japanese history, passed away at Suruga Castle.
• September 26, 1617 (Genna 3): Former-Emperor Go-Yōzei died. He was buried in a special place called Nikkō.
• 1618 (Genna 4): People saw a comet in the sky during this year.
• July 5, 1620 (Genna 6): The emperor married Tokugawa Kazuko. She was the daughter of the shogun, who was the top military leader of Japan. This marriage helped connect the imperial family with the shogun's family.
• 1620 (Genna 6): There were several large and destructive fires in the city of Kyoto during the second and third months of this year.

Related Pages

• Edo period

More Information

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

See also