Hoei facts for kids

Hoei (pronounced "hoh-ay") refers to a significant period in Japanese history. It is mainly known for the Hōei era, which lasted from 1704 to 1711. This time was marked by two major natural events: a powerful earthquake and a large volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji.

What Was the Hōei Era?

The Hōei era was a period in Japanese history that spanned from March 1704 to April 1711. In Japan, eras are special names given to periods of time, often linked to the reign of an emperor or important events. The Hōei era was named after a Chinese classic text.

During this era, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. This was a military government that kept peace and stability across the country. The capital city at the time was Edo, which is now known as Tokyo.

The Great Hōei Earthquake of 1707

One of the most powerful earthquakes in Japanese history happened during the Hōei era. This massive earthquake struck on October 28, 1707. It caused widespread damage across central and southwestern Japan.

The earthquake was so strong that it affected many regions, including the Kii Peninsula and Shikoku. It also caused a huge tsunami, a giant ocean wave, that hit coastal areas. Sadly, many lives were lost, and countless homes were destroyed by both the shaking and the tsunami.

Mount Fuji's Hōei Eruption

Just 49 days after the great earthquake, Mount Fuji erupted. This eruption began on December 16, 1707, and continued until January 1708. It is known as the Hōei eruption and is the most recent time Mount Fuji has erupted.

The eruption created a new crater on the side of Mount Fuji, which is still visible today. This crater is called the Hōei Crater. The volcano spewed out a huge amount of ash, rocks, and volcanic cinders.

The ash traveled far and wide. It covered areas as distant as Edo, the capital city, which was about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. This ash caused many problems for people, damaging crops and making daily life difficult.

Why Did the Earthquake and Eruption Happen Together?

Scientists believe there might be a connection between the 1707 Hōei earthquake and the Hōei eruption of Mount Fuji. Large earthquakes can sometimes affect volcanoes nearby. The powerful shaking from the earthquake might have caused changes deep inside the Earth that triggered the eruption of Mount Fuji. This shows how different natural forces can sometimes be linked.

Images for kids

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  Looking down towards the peak of Mount Fuji and its central crater.

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  Distribution of volcanic cinders and ash falling across central Honshū after the eruption of Mount Fuji in 1707 (Hoei 4).

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  The Hoei Crater, visible to the right of the peak of Mount Fuji, was the location of the 1707 eruption that spewed ash as far as Edo.