Wadō (era) facts for kids

Wadō (和銅) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,, lit. "year name") after Keiun and before Reiki. This period started in January 708 and ended in September 715. The reigning empress was Gemmei-tennō (元明天皇).

Important Events of the Wadō Era

New Copper Discovery (708)

• On May 5, 708 (which was the 11th day of the 4th month in Wadō 1), a special gift was brought to Empress Gemmei. It was a sample of copper found in a place called Musashi Province. This discovery was very important for Japan.

New Government Leaders (708)

• In 708 (Wadō 1, 3rd month), two important people were given new jobs. Fujiwara no Fuhito (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) became the Minister of the Right (called udaijin). Iso-kami Marō became the Minister of the Left (called sadaijin). These were very high-ranking positions in the government.

Uprisings and Visitors (709)

• In 709 (Wadō 2, 3rd month), there were some uprisings, or rebellions, in Mutsu Province and Echigo Province.
• Later in 709 (Wadō 2, 5th month), an ambassador, or official visitor, came from the Korean kingdom of Silla. This showed that Japan had connections with other countries.

Japan's New Capital City (710)

• A very big event happened in 710 (Wadō 3). Japan's capital city was moved and established in Nara. This new capital was called Heijō-kyō. Moving the capital was a huge project and a sign of a new era.

Important Book Finished (712)

• In 712 (Wadō 5), a very important book called the Kojiki was finished. This book tells ancient stories and myths about Japan's history.

Changes to Provinces (712-713)

• Also in 712 (Wadō 5), two areas, Dewa Province and Mutsu, were separated into different administrative regions.
• In 713 (Wadō 6, 3rd month), more changes were made to the provinces. Tamba Province was separated from Tango Province. Mimasaka Province was divided from Bizen Province. And Hyūga Province was divided from Ōsumi Province. These changes helped manage the land better.

Recording History and Geography (713)

• On May 2, 713 (Wadō 6, 5th month, 2nd day), Empress Gemmei gave an order. She wanted work to begin on official reports called fudoki. These reports were about the history and geography of different provinces. They are very valuable for understanding ancient Japan.

Road Improvements (713)

• In 713 (Wadō 6), roads were made wider. This included the road between Mino Province and Shinano Province. Also, a road in the Kiso District (which is now part of Nagano Prefecture) was made wider. Better roads helped people travel and trade more easily.

Empress Steps Down (715)

• In 715 (Wadō 8), Empress Gemmei abdicated, meaning she stepped down from her role as empress. She gave the throne to her daughter.

Gallery

• 

  Wadōkaichin (和同開珎), a copper coin made during the Wadō era.

Related pages

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

See also

In Spanish: Wadō para niños