Kagen facts for kids

Kagen (嘉元) was a special way the Japanese people kept track of time, like how we use years today. It was a specific period in Japanese history, similar to an "era name" or nengō. The Kagen era came after an era called Kengen and before an era called Tokuji.

This period started in August 1303 and ended in December 1306. During these years, the ruler of Japan was Emperor Go-Nijō.

Important Events of the Kagen Era

The Kagen era, though short, saw a few important events that shaped Japan's history.

Passing of Former Emperors

During this time, two important former emperors passed away.

• 1304 (Kagen 2): Former Emperor Go-Fukakusa died. He had been a very important figure in Japanese politics for many years.
• 1305 (Kagen 3): Former Emperor Kameyama died. He was also a significant emperor who had influenced the country.

Birth of Ashikaga Takauji

• 1305 (Kagen 3): A very important person named Ashikaga Takauji was born. He would later become the founder and first leader, known as a shogun, of a new government called the Ashikaga shogunate. This government ruled Japan for a long time after the Kagen era.

Related Information

• Kamakura period: The Kagen era was part of a larger historical period in Japan called the Kamakura period.
• You can learn more about how Japan kept track of time on the National Diet Library website: "The Japanese Calendar".