Tenmei


Tenmei is a Japanese era name for the years between the An'ei Era and before the Kansei Era, from April 1781 through January 1789. The reigning emperor was Emperor Kokaku of Japan.

Change of era

As is customary for choosing nengō, the name was selected from a passage in a historical Chinese text. In this case, the text was Classic of History , more specifically from the first of the King Tai Jia chapters. It says: "先王顧諟天之明命..." meaning "The former king kept his eye continually on the bright requirements of Heaven, ." This is continued with a description of reverence, virtue, and prosperity for the lands. From this, the two characters 天 and 明 were selected.

Events of the Tenmei Era