Kentoku facts for kids

Kentoku (pronounced Ken-toh-koo) was a special name for a period of time in Japanese history. It was like calling a few years a specific "era." This era lasted from July 1370 to April 1372. It happened during a time when Japan had two different imperial courts. This period is known as the Nanboku-chō period.

During the Kentoku era, the Southern Court was led by Emperor Chōkei. His court was located in a place called Yoshino. At the same time, the Northern Court had its own leader, Emperor Go-En'yū. His court was in Kyoto.

What Happened During Kentoku?

A General Sent to Kyushu

In 1370, which was the first year of the Kentoku era, an important event took place. A powerful general named Imagawa Sadayo was sent on a mission. His job was to bring the region of Kyūshū under control. This meant making sure the Southern Court's enemies there were defeated.

Understanding Japanese Eras

Two Courts, Different Eras

During the Nanboku-chō period, Japan had two separate imperial courts. The Southern Court and the Northern Court each had their own emperor. Because of this, they also used different era names.

While the Southern Court used Kentoku, the Northern Court used a different era name. Their era was called Ōan. The Ōan era lasted from 1368 to 1375. This shows how the two courts were separate, even in how they kept track of time.

Learn More

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