Jishō facts for kids

The Jishō (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) was a special time period in Japanese history. It's like how we have years, but in old Japan, they also used "era names" called nengō (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)). The Jishō era came after the Angen era and before the Yōwa era. It lasted from August 1177 to July 1181. During this time, two emperors ruled Japan: Emperor Takakura and then Emperor Antoku.

Key Events of the Jishō Era

Major Fire in the Capital

• 1177 (Jishō 1): A big fire happened in the capital city. Strong winds made the fire spread quickly, and even the palace was destroyed.

Birth of a Future Emperor

• 1178 (Jishō 2): Emperor Takakura's wife, Taira no Tokuko, gave birth to a son. This baby would later become Emperor Antoku.

Changes in Leadership: Emperors Takakura and Antoku

• 1180 (Jishō 4): Emperor Takakura decided to step down from his role. This is called abdication.
• 1180 (Jishō 4): After Takakura stepped down, his young son officially became the new emperor. This moment, when a new emperor takes on the duties and powers, is called sokui. Special ceremonies confirmed his new role.

Moving the Capital City

• 1180 (Jishō 4): The court, which included the emperor and important officials, left the capital city of Heian-kyō. They moved to a place called Fukuhara, which is close to where the city of Kōbe is today.
• 1180 (Jishō 4): Later that same year, the capital was moved back to Heian-kyō.

Natural Events

• 1180 (Jishō 4): A strong whirlwind caused a lot of trouble and chaos in the capital city.

Death of Former Emperor Takakura

• January 30, 1181 (Jishō 5): Former Emperor Takakura passed away.

Era Calendar

This table shows how the Jishō era years match up with our modern Gregorian calendar:

Era Succession

External Links

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