Hōreki facts for kids

Hōreki (also known as Horyaku) was a special name for a period of time in Japanese history. These time periods are called nengō (which means "year name"). The Hōreki era came after the Kan'en era and before the Meiwa era. It lasted from October 1751 to June 1764. During this time, Emperor Momozono and later Empress Go-Sakuramachi were the rulers of Japan.

The name Hōreki means "Valuable Calendar" or "Valuable Almanac." Emperor Momozono officially started this era name in 1754.

Key Events of the Hōreki Era

The Hōreki era officially began in October 1751, but the name "Hōreki" was actually chosen a few years later. On December 2, 1754, the emperor ordered that the era be renamed Hōreki. This date then became the 19th day of the 10th month of the 4th year of Hōreki.

Here are some important events that happened during this time:

• 1752 (Hōreki 2): An ambassador from the Ryukyu Kingdom visited Edo (which is now Tokyo).
• 1754 (Hōreki 4): The powerful Shimazu family was given a big task. They had to complete a project to control floods on the Kizo River.
• 1755 (Hōreki 5): A new and improved calendar was created. It was called the Hōryaku calendar. This important work was done by Abe Yasukuni, Shibukawa Kōkyō, and Nishiyama Seikyū.
• 1758 (Hōreki 8): Teachers like Takenouchi Shikibu taught Confucianism (a system of moral and ethical ideas) and martial arts to the emperor in Kyoto.

Grave of Takenaka Denroku

• 1760 (Hōreki 10): The shogun, Tokugawa Ieshige, stepped down from his position. His son, Tokugawa Ieharu, then became the 10th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shogun was the military ruler of Japan.
• 1762 (Hōreki 12): Emperor Momozono gave up his throne. His sister, Go-Sakuramachi, took his place. Soon after, her role as empress was confirmed with special ceremonies.
• August 31, 1762 (Hōreki 12, 12th day of the 7th month): Former Emperor Momozono passed away.
• 1763 (Hōreki 13): A group of merchants started a business in Edo to sell Korean ginseng. Ginseng is a plant used in traditional medicine.
• 1764 (Hōreki 14): Sweet potatoes were sent from Edo to Korea. This food crop was introduced to Korea as part of a diplomatic mission.

Related Pages

• Edo period