Hōan facts for kids
The Hōan (保安) era was a special way of counting years in ancient Japan, like how we use "AD" or "CE" today. This period lasted for about four years, from April 1120 to April 1124. During the Hōan era, two emperors ruled Japan: first Emperor Toba and then his son, Emperor Sutoku.
Key Events of the Hōan Era
Conflicts and Changes
- 1121 (Hōan 2, 5th month): During this year, a big event happened. Priests from Mount Hiei set fire to a famous temple called Mii-dera. This was often a sign of disagreements or power struggles between different religious groups at the time.
- 1123 (Hōan 4, 1st month): On February 25, Emperor Toba decided to step down from his role as emperor. This is called abdication. He had been emperor for 17 years. After abdicating, Emperor Toba took on a new title, Daijō-tennō, which meant he was still a very important figure, even though he wasn't the ruling emperor anymore.
- 1123 (Hōan 4, 2nd month): After his father, Emperor Toba, stepped down, his son Akihito officially became the new emperor. This process is called senso, which means receiving the right to rule. Soon after, Akihito, now known as Emperor Sutoku, took on all the duties and powers of the monarch in special ceremonies. This official acceptance of the role is called sokui.
Related Pages
- National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection
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Hōan Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.