Kōwa (Heian period) facts for kids

Kōwa (pronounced Koh-wah) was a special name for a period of time in ancient Japan. Think of it like how we have years, but in Japan, they also gave names to groups of years, often when a new emperor came to power or after a big event. The Kōwa era lasted from August 1099 to February 1104. During this time, the emperor of Japan was Emperor Horikawa. This era came after an era called Jōtoku and was followed by an era called Chōji.

Key Events During the Kōwa Era

This era saw some important changes in the powerful Fujiwara family, who played a big role in the Japanese court.

Important People and Their Roles

• 1099 (Kōwa 1): A very important leader named Fujiwara no Moromichi passed away when he was 38 years old. His son, Fujiwara no Tadazane, then took over his father's important duties in the emperor's court. This was a big deal because the Fujiwara family often held the most powerful positions.

• 1100 (Kōwa 2): Fujiwara no Tadazane was given an even higher position. He became the Minister of the Right (called udaijin). This was one of the top jobs in the government, helping the emperor run the country.

• 1101 (Kōwa 3): Another important member of the Fujiwara family, Fujiwara no Morozane, died at the age of 60. These changes in leadership within the Fujiwara family were significant for the politics of the time.

Understanding Japanese Eras

Japanese era names, or nengō, are a unique way of counting years. They are often chosen to mark a new beginning or a significant event. The Kōwa era is just one example of many such periods in Japanese history.

Related Pages

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