Tenchō facts for kids

Tenchō (天長) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,, lit. "year name") after Kōnin and before Jōwa. This period started in January 824 and ended in January 834. The reigning emperors were Junna-tennō (淳和天皇) and Ninmyō-tennō (仁明天皇).

Events of the Tenchō era

In Tenchō 3, work on the pagoda at To-ji was begun

• 824 (Tenchō 1): This summer was entirely dry; and prayers for rain were offered by the Buddhist priest Kūkai (also known as Kōbō-Daishi). Those prayers seemed to be answered when it did rain.
• 824 (Tenchō 1, 7th month): The former-Emperor Heizei died at age 51.
• 825 (Tenchō 2, 11th month): The former-Emperor Saga celebrated his 40th birthday.
• 826 (Tenchō 3, 11th month): Kūkai advises the emperor to build a pagoda near To-ji in Kyoto.

This era is part of Kōnin-jōgan, which is a historical period from 810 to 877. The importance of Buddhism and the arts was notable during this time.

Related pages

• Heian period

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

See also

In Spanish: Tenchō para niños