Meitoku facts for kids
Meitoku (明徳) was a special name for a period of time in Japan. It was like a way to count years, similar to how we use "2024" today. This era was used by the Northern Court during a time in Japanese history called the Nanboku-chō period.
The Meitoku era started in March 1390 and ended in July 1394. During this time, Japan had two different emperors. One was Emperor Go-Komatsu in Kyoto, who was supported by the Northern Court. The other was Emperor Go-Kameyama in Yoshino, who was supported by the Southern Court.
In October 1392, the Meitoku era became the official year name for all of Japan. This happened because the Northern and Southern Courts finally came back together. Before that, the Southern Court had been using a different era name called Genchū.
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Important Events During Meitoku
The Year 1391
In 1391, during the second year of the Meitoku era (called Meitoku 2), a powerful warrior named Yamana Ujikyo led an attack on Kyoto. Kyoto was the capital city of Japan at that time.
The Year 1392
The year 1392 was a very important one. It was the third year of Meitoku (Meitoku 3). This year is also known as Genchū 9 by the Southern Court. In 1392, the long period of fighting between the Northern and Southern Courts finally ended. Both courts reunited under Emperor Go-Komatsu. This meant Japan had only one emperor again.
More About Japanese Eras
Japanese era names, or nengō, are used to mark periods of a ruler's reign or other significant events. They are an important part of Japanese history.
Related History
- Muromachi period: The Meitoku era was part of the larger Muromachi period in Japanese history. This was a time when the Ashikaga shogunate ruled Japan.
Learn More
- You can find more information about the Japanese calendar and its history at the National Diet Library's website: The Japanese Calendar.
