Jōan (era) facts for kids

Jōan (pronounced "Joh-ahn") was a special name used for a period of time in Japanese history. It's like how we have years, but in old Japan, they also had "era names" called nengō.

The Jōan era came after an era called Kaō and before Angen. This time period lasted from April 1171 to July 1175. During these years, the emperor of Japan was Emperor Takakura.

Key Events During the Jōan Era

• 1171 (Jōan 1): Emperor Takakura visited his father, the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa. There, he met a 15-year-old girl named Taira no Tokuko. She was the adopted daughter of Go-Shirakawa and the real daughter of a powerful leader, Taira no Kiomori. Emperor Takakura chose her to be his wife.

• 1172 (Jōan 2): Tokuko became Emperor Takakura's secondary empress, known as a chūgo.

• 1172 (Jōan 2): Emperor Takakura turned 11 years old. This was a big moment, and special coming-of-age ceremonies were held for him.

• 1172 (Jōan 2): Emperor Takakura visited two important shrines: the Fushimi Inari-taisha and the Yasaka Shrine.

• 1172 (Jōan 2): Matsu Motofusa was given an important job called kampaku. This person was a chief advisor to the emperor.

• 1173 (Jōan 3): Shinran, who later started a Buddhist group called Jodo Shinshu, was born.

• 1173 (Jōan 3): Emperor Takakura visited the Iwashimizu Shrine and the Kamo Shrines.

• 1174 (Jōan 4): The emperor visited both his father and his mother.

Years of the Jōan Era

The Jōan era lasted for five years. Here's how they match up with our modern calendar:

See also

In Spanish: Jōan (era) para niños