Japan

island country in East Asia

369 dated entries naming Japan, drawn from 323 separate years between 632 BCE and 2025 CE. Nothing here is written by us: each line is the sentence a Wikipedia year article used, and the link beside it opens the exact revision.

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7th century BC

632 BCESuizei, emperor of Japan (d. 549 BC)source

6th century BC

553 BCEItoku, emperor of Japan (d. 477 BC)source
549 BCEEmperor Suizei dies after a 32-year reign and is succeeded by his son Annei as emperor of Japan.source
549 BCESuizei, emperor of Japan (b. 632 BC)source
510 BCEAnnei, emperor of Japan (b. 577 BC)source
506 BCEKōshō, emperor of Japan (d. 393 BC)source

3rd century BC

273 BCEKōgen, emperor of Japan (d. 158 BC)source

1st century BC

98 BCEEmperor Kaika of Japan, according to legend.source
97 BCESujin becomes emperor of Japan (approximate date).source

1st century

57Emperor Guang Wu grants Nakoku (located around modern-day Fukuoka City) a golden seal, being the oldest evidence of writing in Japan. In return King Na sends an envoy to China.source

2nd century

188Queen Himiko (or Shingi Waō) begins her reign in Japan (until 248).source

3rd century

247Himiko of Yamataikoku, in Japan, begins a war against King Himikoku of Kunukoku.source
274Japanese shipwrights build a 100-foot oar-powered vessel for Emperor Ōjin. The Japanese will not use sails for another seven centuries.source
298The manufacture of cultured silk becomes popular from Korea to Japan.source

4th century

310Emperor Ōjin of Japan, according to legend.source
313Nintoku, the fourth son of Ōjin, becomes the 16th emperor of Japan. The historical profile of Nintoku is generally accepted as fact without attributing all of the things he allegedly accomplished.source
336Richū, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
367The first Korean envoy arrives in Japan, emissary of the government of Kudara.source

5th century

405The Japanese court officially adopts the Chinese writing system (approximate date).source
405Richu, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
406Hanzei succeeds his brother Richu, and becomes the 18th emperor of Japan in the traditional order of succession.source
418Yuryaku, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
453Ankō obtains the throne of his father Ingyō after the traditional order of succession and becomes the 20th emperor of Japan. His eldest brother Prince Kinashi no Karu commits suicide after being accused of an incestuous relationship with his sister Karu no Ōiratsume (according to the Nihon Shoki).source
463The Kibi Clan Rebellion against the Yamato state (Japan) in the Korean Peninsula begins.source
478The first Shinto shrines are built in Japan.source
480Prince Seinei succeeds his father Yūryaku and becomes the 22nd emperor of Japan.source
487Kenzō, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
487Emperor Kenzō of Japan, age 38, dies after a reign of only three years.source
488Ninken, adopted heir of Seinei, succeeds his brother Kenzō and becomes new emperor of Japan.source

6th century

509Kinmei, emperor of Japan (d. 571)source
531Keitai, emperor of Japan (b. 450)source
538The Kofun period ends and the Asuka period, the second part of the Yamato period in Japan, begins.source
538Emperor Bidatsu of Japan (d. 585)source
539Kinmei succeeds his brother Senka, and ascends as 29th emperor to the throne of Japan.source
540October 12 – Yōmei, emperor of Japan (d. 587)source
554Suiko, empress of Japan (d. 628)source
571April 15 – Kinmei, emperor of Japan (b. 509)source
572Bidatsu succeeds his father Kinmei and ascends to the throne of Japan as the 30th emperor.source
574February 7 – Shōtoku, prince and regent of Japan (d. 622)source
578Kongō Gumi, the world's oldest construction company (578–2006), is founded in Osaka (Japan).source
585September 14 – Bidatsu, emperor of Japan (b. 538)source
585September 15 – Emperor Bidatsu, age 47, dies of smallpox after a 13-year reign, and is succeeded by his brother Yōmei as the 31st emperor of Japan.source
587Soga no Emishi, statesman of Japan (d. 645)source
592December 8 – Emperor Sushun of Japan is murdered after 5 years on the throne by agents of his rival Umako Soga, who is jealous of the emperor's power. He is succeeded by Suiko, widow of the late emperor Bidatsu.source
593The Shitennō-ji monastery is founded at Osaka (Japan) by Shōtoku.source
593Jomei, emperor of Japan (d. 641)source
594Kōgyoku, empress of Japan (d. 661)source
596Kōtoku, emperor of Japan (d. 654)source

7th century

603Prince Shōtoku of Japan establishes a twelve level cap and rank system, and is said to have authored a seventeen-article constitution.source
604Prince Shotoku, imperial regent of Empress Suiko, issues a Seventeen-article constitution, based on both Confucian and Buddhist principles in Japan.source
607August 1 – Empress Suiko appoints Ono no Imoko as official envoy to the Sui Court (Japanese missions to Imperial China). She sends him to pay tribute to Emperor Yángdi, and let him deliver the famous letter from prince-regent Shōtoku which begins: "The Son of Heaven where the sun rises (Japan), to the Son of Heaven where the sun sets (China), may good health be with you." (Traditional Japanese date: July 3, 607).source
628April 15 – Suiko, empress of Japansource
631Temmu, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
641November 17 – Emperor Jomei of Japan, age 48, dies after a 12-year reign.source
641November 17 – Emperor Jomei of Japan (b. 593)source
645Empress Kōgyoku is forced to abdicate the throne in favor of her younger brother Kōtoku, age 49, who becomes the 36th emperor of Japan.source
645Jitō, empress of Japan (d. 703)source
646A Great Reform edict changes Japan's political order. It will lead to the establishment of a centralized government with Kōtoku ruling from his palace, Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace, in Osaka.source
649Soga no Kurayamada, Japanese udaijinsource
652The registers of population are prepared in Japan. Fifty houses are made a township, and for each township there is appointed an elder. The houses are all associated in groups of five for mutual protection, with one elder to supervise them one with another. This system prevails until the era of World War II.source
653Prince Tenji of Japan changes his residence to Asuka (Nara Prefecture), with other imperial family members and ministers. Only Emperor Kōtoku stays in the Naniwa Palace (approximate date).source
654Nakatomi no Kamatari, the inner minister (naidaijin) of Japan, is granted the Shikwan (the Purple Cap). [Ambiguous; Significance of this is unclear]source
654November 24 – Kōtoku, emperor of Japan (b. 596)source
656Empress Saimei of Japan builds a new palace at Asuka (Nara Prefecture), because her former residence caught fire. This construction is called the "Mad Canal" by the people of that day, wasting the labor of tens of thousand workers and a large amount of money.source
659A Japanese embassy is sent to the Chinese Empire, and received in an audience by Emperor Gao Zong. The Tang dynasty is determined in the next year to take administrative measures in regard to Japan. The envoys are detained.source
660Prince Naka no Ōe no Ōji of Japan makes a Japanese clock for the first time at Asuka, by which he causes the people to know the hours.source
660Genmei, empress of Japan (d. 721)source
663Battle of Baekgang: Korean Baekje forces and their Japanese allies are defeated in a naval battle, by a joint Silla–Tang coalition.source
668Emperor Tenji of Japan officially accedes to the throne, and hunts on the Moor of Ōmi-Gamōno. The letters exchanged between prince Ōama and princess Nukata are recorded in Man'yōshū.source
670A family register, Kogo-nenjaku, is prepared in Japan (approximate date) [Significance of this event is unclear] .source
671June 10 – Emperor Tenji introduces a water clock (clepsydra) called Rokoku. The instrument, which measures time and indicates hours, is placed in the capital of Ōtsu in Japan.source
673March 20 – Emperor Tenmu assumes the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan at the Palace of Kiyomihara, in Asuka.source
674In Japan, Princess Ōku proceeds to the Ise Jingu.source
675January 5 – In Japan, a platform to observe the stars for astrologers is erected for the first time.source
676Emperor Tenmu of Japan promulgates a decree about taxes from fiefs, and the employment of persons for the service from the outer provinces. Men of distinguished ability are allowed to enter the service, even though they are of the common people, regardless of their ranks.source
680In Japan, Princess Uno Sarara is unwell, and Emperor Tenmu begins the erection of the Temple of Yakushi-ji (Nara Prefecture). He makes 100 people enter religion as priests, wishing her to recover her health.source
680Genshō, empress of Japan (d. 748)source
681In Japan the Asuka Kiyomihara Code is commenced under Emperor Tenmu.source
683Emperor Tenmu decrees a reform in Japan; copper coins must be used instead of silver coins. Three days later he issues a decree to allow the continued use of silver.source
685Empress Wu Zetian sends a pair of giant pandas to the Japanese court of Emperor Tenmu, as a diplomatic gift (approximate date).source
686October 1 – Tenmu, emperor of Japansource
686October 1 – Emperor Tenmu of Japan dies after a 13-year reign, and is succeeded by his widow (and niece), Empress Jitō. She will reign until 697.source
689The Asuka Kiyomihara Code, a collection of governing rules commenced in 681 under Emperor Tenmu, is promulgated in Japan.source
697A festival, for the opening of the eyes of Buddhist images, is held in Yakushi-ji Temple in Japan (approximate date).source
698The festival of first-fruits (Daijo-sai) is held in Japan.source

8th century

701September 22 – Shōmu, emperor of Japan (d. 756)source
703January 13 – Jitō, empress of Japan (b. 645)source
707July 18 – Emperor Monmu dies after a 10-year reign. He is succeeded by his aunt Genmei, who becomes the 43rd empress of Japan. She is the sister of former empress Jitō, and the niece and wife of late emperor Tenmu.source
708August 29 – Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708).source
709November 18 – Kōnin, emperor of Japan (d. 782)source
710The Asuka period, the second and last part of the Yamato period, ends, and the Nara period begins; Heijō-kyō (Nara) becomes the capital of Japan.source
711Reconstruction of the Hōryū-ji Temple in Japan is completed (approximate date).source
712The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Times), a history of Japan, is completed.source
715Empress Genmei abdicates the throne after an 8-year reign, in which she has built a replica of the Chinese imperial palace at Japan's new capital, Nara. Genmei is succeeded by her daughter Genshō.source
717Hoshi Ryokan, the world's second-longest surviving hotel, is established in Japan (approximate date).source
720The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), one of the oldest history books in Japan, is completed under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri, and with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro.source
721December 29 – Genmei, empress of Japan (b. 660)source
726The first annual Sumo tournament in Japan is held by Emperor Shōmu (approximate date).source
729Chinese eating sticks are introduced in the next 20 years in Japan, where people heretofore have used one-piece pincers. The Japanese call them hashi.source
733Junnin, emperor of Japan (d. 765)source
735A major smallpox epidemic starts in Japan, which reduces the population by 30%.source
736Rōben, scholar-Buddhist monk, invites Shinshō to give lectures on the Avatamsaka Sutra at Kinshōsen-ji (later Tōdai-ji); this event is considered to be the roots of the Kegon school of Buddhism founded in Japan.source
740Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Rebellion: The Fujiwara clan led by Fujiwara no Hirotsugu, dissatisfied with the political powers in Japan, raise an army in Dazaifa (Kyushu) but are defeated by government forces.source
741Japanese authorities decree that Buddhist temples should be established throughout the country (approximate date).source
746The Hida-Kokubunji Temple in Japan is built to pray for peace and prosperity (approximate date).source
747Empress Kōmyō founds the Shin-Yakushi-ji Buddhist temple in Nara (Japan).source
748May 22 – Genshō, empress of Japan (b. 683)source
751The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji in Nara (Japan) is completed.source
752Emperor Shōmu (retired since 749) takes part in the dedication ceremony of the Great Buddha, (15 metres) at Tōdai-ji in Nara (Japan), and declares himself a Buddhist.source
755Empress Kōken introduces the Tanabata festival to Japan.source
756June 4 – Shōmu, emperor of Japan (b. 701)source
758Empress Kōken abdicates the throne, after a 9-year reign. She is succeeded by her adopted son Junnin, grandson of the late emperor Tenmu. He becomes the 47th emperor (tennō) of Japan.source
759The Tōshōdai-ji Buddhist Temple is founded in Nara, Japan.source
760Kōmyō, empress of Japan (b. 701)source
764October 14–21 – Fujiwara no Nakamaro Rebellion: A short-lived revolt led by Fujiwara no Nakamaro is suppressed. Emperor Junnin is deposed after a 6-year reign, and forced into exile. Former empress Kōken reassumes the imperial throne of Japan, and takes the name Shōtoku. She appoints her close associate, the priest Dōkyō, prime minister (taishi), running the government with him. Nakamaro is captured and killed with his wife and children.source
765Junnin, emperor of Japan (b. 733)source
768The Kasuga Shrine is erected at Nara (Japan), by the Fujiwara family. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the stone lanterns that lead up to the Shinto shrinesource
770August 28 – Kōken, empress of Japan (b. 718)source
770August 28 – Empress Kōken (also Shōtoku) of Japan dies.source
773Heizei, emperor of Japan (d. 824)source
778In Japan, the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is founded in Kyoto. Its main hall (Hondo) is built in 1633 without a single nail.source
781April 30 – Emperor Kōnin of Japan abdicates the throne after an 11-year reign, in favour of his half-Korean son, Kanmu.source
782January 11 – Kōnin, emperor of Japan (b. 709)source
784The Japanese begin a war against the Ainu, in the north, on the main island of Honshu. Emperor Kanmu wishes to be free from the influence of the Buddhist monasteries around Nara (then called Heijō), and moves the capital to Nagaoka, ending the Nara period.source
785Junna, emperor of Japan (approximate date)source
788The Enryaku-ji temple complex is founded by Saichō, a Buddhist monk, on Mount Hiei in Ōtsu (Japan).source
789An uprising in Japan leads to a major defeat for Emperor Kanmu, along with a severe drought and famine; the streets of the capital Nagaoka-kyō are clogged with the sick.source
796Tō-ji, a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, is established in Kyoto, Japan.source

9th century

805Priest Saichō, patriarch of Tendai Buddhism, visits China and introduces tea to Japan on his return (or 804).source
806February 5 – Kanmu, emperor of Japan (b. 737)source
806February 5 – Emperor Kanmu dies after a 25-year reign, that has seen Korean culture and technology introduced to Japan. He is succeeded by his son Heizei, as the 51st emperor of Japan.source
807The Temple of Motoyama-ji in Mitoyo (Japan), of the Kōyasan Shingon-shū sect, is constructed by the orders of Emperor Heizei.source
808September 27 – Ninmyō, emperor of Japan (d. 850)source
810Seishi, empress of Japan (d. 879)source
815Emperor Saga of Japan is the first sovereign to drink tea (according to legend), imported from China by monks. The upper classes adopt this beverage for medicinal use.source
824August 5 – Heizei, emperor of Japan (b. 773)source
826January 22 – Montuku, emperor of Japan (d. 858)source
830Kōkō, emperor of Japan (d. 887)source
840June 11 – Emperor Junna, ruler of Japan (b. 785)source
842August 24 – Saga, emperor of Japan (b. 786)source
864Jōgan eruption (Japan): Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, erupts for 10 days.source
866June 10 – Uda, emperor of Japan (d. 931)source
869January 2 – Yōzei, emperor of Japan (d. 949)source
879April 18 – Seishi, empress of Japan (b. 810)source
885February 6 – Daigo, emperor of Japan (d. 930)source
887August 26 – Kōkō, emperor of Japan (b. 830)source

10th century

905Emperor Daigo of Japan orders the selection of four court poets, led by Ki no Tsurayuki, to compile the Kokin Wakashū, an early anthology of Waka poetry.source
923September 7 – Suzaku, emperor of Japan (d. 952)source
926July 14 – Murakami, emperor of Japan (d. 967)source
927Fujiwara no Anshi, empress consort of Japan (d. 964)source
940Narita-san ("New victory temple"), a Shingon Buddhist temple, is founded in Chiba (Japan).source
941Kaminarimon, the eight-pillared gate to the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan, is erected.source
949September 14 – Fujiwara no Tadahira, a politician and chancellor (kampaku), dies at his native Kyoto. Having governed Japan as regent under Emperor Suzaku since 930. The Fujiwara clan will continue to hold the regency until 1180, controlling the imperial government.source
952September 6 – Suzaku, emperor of Japan (b. 923)source
954Fujiwara no Onshi, empress of Japan (b. 885)source
959April 12 – En'yū, emperor of Japan (d. 991)source
964Fujiwara no Anshi, empress consort of Japan (b. 927)source
967July 5 – Murakami, emperor of Japan (b. 926)source
967July 5 – Emperor Murakami dies after a 21-year reign. He is succeeded by his 17-year-old son Reizei, who is insane and becomes the 63rd emperor of Japan.source
968November 29 – Kazan, emperor of Japan (d. 1008)source
969September 27 – Emperor Reizei abdicates the throne of Japan (due to a mental illness) after a 2-year reign. He is succeeded by his 10-year-old brother En'yū, who becomes the 64th emperor.source
970A major volcano erupts in Lake Mashū, Japan (approximate date).source
976February 5 – Sanjō, emperor of Japan (d. 1017)source
986Emperor Kazan abdicates the throne after a political struggle from the Fujiwara family. He is succeeded by his 6-year-old cousin Ichijō as the 66th emperor (tennō) of Japan.source
991March 1 – En'yū, emperor of Japan (b. 959)source

11th century

1001January 13 – Fujiwara no Teishi, empress of Japan (b. 977)source
1005The Shūi Wakashū ("Collection of Gleanings"), an anthology of waka (poetry), is compiled by ex-Emperor Kazan of Japan (approximate date).source
1006April 30 – The brightest supernova ever recorded, SN 1006, occurs in the constellation of Lupus. It is observed and described in China, Japan, Iraq, Egypt, and Europe and possibly depicted in North American rock art. Modern astronomers now consider its distance at about 7,200 light-years. The supernova provides enough light to read by on a night with a dark moon.source
1008October 12 – Atsuhira, future Emperor Go-Ichijō of Japan (d. 1036)source
1009December 14 – Atsunaga, future Emperor Go-Suzaku of Japan (d. 1045)source
1011Emperor Ichijō abdicates the throne and dies later after a 25-year reign. He is succeeded by his cousin Sanjō as the 67th emperor of Japan.source
1011July 25 – Ichijō, emperor of Japan (b. 980)source
1036May 15 – Emperor Go-Ichijō dies at the age of 27 after a 20-year reign. He is succeeded by his brother Go-Suzaku as the 69th emperor of Japan.source
1036May 15 – Go-Ichijō, emperor of Japan (b. 1008)source
1039September 19 – Fujiwara no Genshi, empress of Japan (b. 1016)source
1045February 5 – Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan.source
1053July 7 – Shirakawa, emperor of Japan (d. 1129)source
1068May 22 – Go-Reizei, emperor of Japan (b. 1025)source
1074October 25 – Shōshi, empress of Japan (b. 988)source
1079August 8 – Horikawa, emperor of Japan (d. 1107)source

12th century

1103February 24 – Toba, emperor of Japan (d. 1156)source
1107August 9 – Emperor Horikawa dies after a 20-year reign and is succeeded by his 4-year-old son Toba as emperor of Japan.source
1107August 9 – Horikawa, emperor of Japan (b. 1079)source
1117The sōhei or warrior monks of Mii-dera and Enryaku-ji unite their forces to attack Nara in Japan.source
1118The Genei era begins in Japan.source
1123February 25 – Japan's Emperor Toba abdicates in favor of his 3-year-old son Sutoku after a 16-year reign. The retired Emperor Shirakawa rules as regent during Toba's minority.source
1129July 24 – Shirakawa, emperor of Japan (b. 1053)source
1143July 31 – Nijō, emperor of Japan (d. 1165)source
1153February 10 – Taira no Tadamori dies after a career in which he has used his military and diplomatic skills to subdue the pirates menacing commerce in the Seto Inland Sea. He expands trade with China and becomes the first samurai to serve Emperor Konoe as personal bodyguard. He is succeeded by his son Taira no Kiyomori, who assumes control of the Taira Clan. He establishes the first samurai-dominated government in Japan.source
1155August 22 – The 16-year-old Emperor Konoe dies after a 14-year reign. He is succeeded by his brother Go-Shirakawa as the 77th emperor of Japan.source
1155August 22 – Konoe, emperor of Japan (b. 1139)source
1156July 28 – The Hōgen rebellion, a dispute between Emperor Go-Shirakawa and his half-brother retired-Emperor Sutoku, erupts in Japan.source
1158September 5 – Emperor Go-Shirakawa of Japan abdicates the throne after a 3-year reign. He is succeeded by his 15-year-old son Nijō as the 77th emperor. Go-Shirakawa retains power, and gives Kiyomori Taira a higher position to lead a samurai-dominated government.source
1161September 20 – Takakura, emperor of Japan (d. 1181)source
1164December 28 – Emperor Rokujō of Japan (d. 1176)source
1167Taira no Kiyomori becomes the first samurai to be appointed Daijo Daijin, chief minister of the government of Japan.source
1168April 9 – Emperor Rokujō of Japan is deposed by his grandfather, retired-Emperor Go-Shirakawa, after an 8-month reign. He is succeeded by his 6-year-old uncle, Takakura, as the 80th emperor.source
1176August 23 – Rokujō, emperor of Japan (b. 1164)source
1177During the third year of the Angen era in Japan, a fire devastates Kyoto.source
1178December 22 – Antoku, emperor of Japan (d. 1185)source
1180August 6 – Go-Toba, emperor of Japan (d. 1239)source
1181January 30 – Takakura, emperor of Japan (b. 1161)source
1181March 20 – Taira no Kiyomori, Japanese military leader and dictator, dies at Kyoto. He established the first samurai-dominated administrative government in Japan.source
1182May – The Yōwa era, marked by famine, ends during the reign of Emperor Antoku in Japan.source
1183Three-year-old Emperor Go-Toba ascends to the throne of Japan, after the forced abdication of his brother Emperor Antoku, during the Genpei War.source
1184February 19 – Second Battle of Uji: Japanese forces under Minamoto no Yoshinaka are defeated by his cousins, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Minamoto no Yoritomo, for the control of Japan.source
1185December – Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa grants Minamoto no Yoritomo the authority to form the first bakufu (shogunate) in Japan, ending the Genpei War.source
1186June 1 – Minamoto no Yukiie, Japanese warlordsource
1196January 3 – Tsuchimikado, emperor of Japan (d. 1231)source
1197October 22 – Juntoku, emperor of Japan (d. 1242)source

13th century

1207Hōnen and his followers of the Pure Land sect are persecuted and exiled to remote parts of Japan, while a few are executed, for what the government considers heretical Buddhist teachings.source
1221May 13 – Emperor Juntoku is forced to abdicate, and is briefly succeeded by his 2-year-old son Chūkyō on the throne of Japan. Ex-Emperor Go-Toba leads the unsuccessful Jōkyū War against the Kamakura shogunate.source
1227Dōgen Zenji receives Dharma transmission and inka from his master Rujing in China, settling his "life's quest of the great matter", going on to introduce Sōtō Zen Buddhism into his native Japan.source
1231March 17 – Shijō (Mitsuhito), emperor of Japan (d. 1242)source
1234June 18 – Chūkyō, emperor (tennō) of Japan (b. 1218)source
1239March 28 – Go-Toba (Toba II), emperor of Japan (b. 1180)source
1241Emperor Lizong of Song China accepts the Neo-Confucian teachings of the late Zhu Xi, including his commentary on the Four Books. This will have an impact upon the philosophical schools of surrounding countries as well, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.source
1243June 28 – Go-Fukakusa, emperor of Japan (d. 1304)source
1249The Hikitsuke, a judicial organ of the Kamakura and Ashikaga shogunates of Japan, is established.source
1249July 9 – Emperor Kameyama of Japan (d. 1305)source
1272March 17 – Go-Saga, emperor of Japan (b. 1220)source
1277In Japan, a 20 kilometer stone wall defending the coast of Hakata Bay at Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu is completed; it is built in response to the attempted Yuan dynasty Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274.source
1279A Mongol Yuan embassy, sent by Kublai Khan to Japan, is killed by orders from Hōjō Tokimune, leading to a second invasion.source
1288April 5 – Go-Fushimi, emperor (tenno) of Japan (d. 1336)source
1291In Japan the temple of Nanzen-ji at Kyoto is established by Emperor Kameyama. This temple becomes one of the most important religious schools within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and includes multiple sub-temples.source
1292October 20 – Saionji Kisshi (or Ōmiya-in), empress of Japan (b. 1225)source

14th century

1313August 1 – Kōgon, emperor of Japan (Northern Court) (d. 1364)source
1315August 11 (12th day of 7th month of 4 Shōwa) – Hōjō Mototoki becomes ruler (shogun) and regent (shikken) of the Kamakura shogunate in Japan upon the death of Hōjō Hirotoki.source
1324July 16 – Yohito, former emperor of Japan (b. 1267)source
1333July 7 – The reign of Emperor Kōgon of Japan, first of the Northern Court (Ashikaga) Pretenders, ends.source
1333May 18 – Siege of Kamakura in Japan: Forces loyal to Emperor Go-Daigo, led by Nitta Yoshisada, enter and destroy the city, breaking the power of the Hōjō clan over the Kamakura shogunate. The Kamakura period ends, and the Kenmu Restoration under Go-Daigo begins.source
1336February 25 – The Kenmu Restoration ends and the Muromachi period begins in Japan; start of the Nanboku-chō period.source
1339September 18 – Emperor Go-Murakami accedes to the throne of Japan.source
1368March 29 – Emperor Chōkei accedes to the throne of Japan.source
1368March 29 – Emperor Go-Murakami of Japan (b. 1328)source
1371April 9 – Emperor Go-En'yu of Japan succeeds Emperor Go-Kōgon of the Northern Court of Japan.source
1372The Kingdom of Chūzan, ruled by King Satto on the island of Okinawa, in Japan) enters tributary relations with Ming dynasty China by way of an envoy, Yang Zai, sent by the Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.source
1375June 26 – Shortly after an earthquake in Japan, the Southern Court, ruled by Emperor Chōkei, changes the name of the Bunchū era, and the Tenju era begins.source
1381June 15 – (23rd day of 6th month of Kowa) – In Japan's Higo Province, Imagawa Sadayo and Imagawa Nakaaki capture Kikuchi Castle and Somedo Castle.source
1383January 13 – At Heian-kyō (now Kyoto), Go-Komatsu is enthroned as the Emperor of the Northern Court of Japan, after having succeeded to the throne on the abdication of Emperor Go-En'yū on November 19.source
1394August 2 &ndash (5th day of the 7th month of Meitoku 5), the Meitoku Era in Japan is declared to be at an end because of the misfortune of a smallpox epidemic, and the Ōei era begins.source
1394August 27 – Emperor Chōkei of Japan (b. 1343)source
1398Bunei succeeds his father, Satto, as King of Chūzan (modern-day central Okinawa, Japan).source
1398January 31 – Former Emperor Sukō of Japan (b. 1334)source
1400Hananchi succeeds Min as King of Hokuzan, in modern-day north Okinawa, Japan.source

15th century

1403probable – Ououso becomes King of Nanzan, in present-day south Okinawa, Japan.source
1412October 5 (29th day of 8th month Ōei 19) – Emperor Go-Komatsu abdicates, and Emperor Shoko accedes to the throne of Japan.source
1419June 20 – The Ōei Invasion of Tsushima Island, Japan on orders of King Sejong of Korea, begins as General Yi Jong-mu leads 227 ships and 17,285 soldiers to come ashore at Asō Bay.source
1420August 31 – A 9.4 M S -strong earthquake shakes Chile's Atacama Region, causing tsunamis in Chile, as well as Hawaii and Japan.source
1422March 11 – On Okinawa Island, now part of Japan, King Shō Hashi of Chūzan begins a war against the two other kingdoms on the island, Hokuzan and Nanzan and begins the unification of Okinawa.source
1423April 28 – Ashikaga Yoshimochi abdicates as shogun of Japan and is succeeded by his son, Ashikaga Yoshikazu.source
1428September 7 – (29th day of the 7th month of Shōchō 1) Emperor Go-Hanazono, the 10-year old third cousin of the late Emperor Shoko accedes to the throne of Japan.source
1441July 12 ((Kakitsu 1, 24th day of the 6th month) – In Japan, the Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshinori is murdered by Akamatsu Mitsusuke, who is upset that Ashikaga has made Akamatsu Sadaura leader of the Akamatsu clan. Over the next 16 days, several prominent nobles allied with Ashikaga are killed during the fighting including Kyōgoku Takakazu, the Shugo of Yamashiro Province and Ōuchi Mochiyo (1394–1441), the head of the Ōuchi clan. After the fighting ceases, Yoshinori's 8-year-old son, Ashikaga Yoshikatsu, is proclaimed as the new shōgun.source
1447Iizasa Ienao founds Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, the earliest historically verifiable Japanese koryū martial art, that will still be extant in modern times.source
1461January 22 – In Japan, where the Kansho famine has led to thousands of people starving to death, the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa orders relief efforts to be coordinated by Ganami, a Buddhist monk who leads the Kōfuku-ji temple.source
1490July 22 – (5th day of 7th month of Entoku 2) At Heian-kyō, in Japan, now Kyoto, Ashikaga Yoshitane becomes the 10th Muromachi shōgun of Japan, more than a year after the death of his cousin, Ashikaga Yoshihisa.source

16th century

1511September 13 – In Japan, Tokudaiji Saneatsu retires from his position as Chancellor of the Realm (Daijō-daijin) after two years of leading the Council of State.source
1528September 3 – The Kyōroku era begins in Japan, with the last day of the Daiei era ending on Daiei 8, 20th day of the 8th month.source
1540approximate date – The musket is introduced into Japan from Europe.source
1542The first contact of Japan with the West occurs when a Portuguese ship, blown off its course to China, lands Antonio Pexoto, Francisco Zeimoto and António Mota in Japan, according to António Galvão. According to the Japanese books Tanegashima Kafu and Teppoki, it is stated they landed in 1543.source
1542July 23 – (10th day of 6th month of Tenbun 11) In Japan, a six-year rebellion within the Date clan when clan leader Date Tanemune, returning home from a day of falconry, is attacked by his oldest son, Date Harumune, and imprisoned at Kōri-Nishiyama Castle in Fukushima Prefecture. Tanemune is rescued by an aide, Koyanagigawa Munetomo, and escapes. The war lasts for six years before Harumune triumphs and becomes the new leader of the Date clan.source
1546May 19 – The Siege of Kawagoe Castle ends in defeat for the Uesugi clan, in their attempt to regain Kawagoe Castle from the Late Hōjō clan in Japan.source
1548February 14 – (Tenbun 18, 4th day of 1st month) At the Battle of Uedahara, firearms are used for the first time on the battlefield in Japan, and Takeda Shingen is defeated by Murakami Yoshikiyo.source
1549April 15 – Spanish Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier departs from Goa on a mission to bring Christian ministry to Japan.source
1549July 27 – (Tenbun 18, 3rd day of the 7th month) European Jesuit Francis Xavier arrives in Japan at the port of Kagoshima, the first Christian missionary there, but is not allowed to go to shore until three weeks later.source
1556May 28 (20th day of 4th month of Kōji 2) – In Japan, the Battle of Nagara-gawa takes place along the Nagara River in Mino Province near what is now the Gifu Prefecture. Saitō Yoshitatsu, with 17,500 troops, overwhelms and kills his father, Saitō Dōsan, who had attempted to avenge the Saitō family honor with less than 3,000 people.source
1564September 10 – Battle of Kawanakajima in Japan: Takeda Shingen fights the forces of Uesugi Kenshin for the final time, to a draw.source
1571September 30 (12th day of 9th month of Genki) – In Japan, the Siege of Mount Hiei is carried out by Oda Nobunaga at Ōmi Province (now the Shiga Prefecture). After Nobunaga's 30,000 troops overwhelm the monks of the 4,000 warriors of the Sōhei, Nobunaga orders the massacre of more than 1,500 survivors.source
1575June 28 – Battle of Nagashino: Oda Nobunaga defeats Takeda Katsuyori in Japan's first modern battle.source
1576April 14 – Ishiyama Hongan-ji War: In Japan, the Third Battle of Ishiyama begins as Oda Nobunaga sends 10,000 soldiers against the Ashikaga shogunate to capture the Honganji Temple.source
1576August 23 – On the island of Kyūshū in Japan, near what is now Takaharu, Miyazaki prefecture, Takahara Castle of the Itō clan is captured by 30,000 men led by the warlord Shimazu Yoshihisa, after a siege of four days.source
1579August 17 – "Yasuke", a man of African origin who has been hired as a manager by the Chancellor of the Realm, Oda Nobunaga, arrives in Japan. Called "The Black Samurai" in dramatizations of his experience, he begins a service of three years to the Chancellor, ending on June 21, 1582.source
1579May 21 – Battle of Mimaomote: In Japan, Doi Kiyonaga defeats the forces of Kumu Yorinobu.source
1582June 21 – (2nd day of the sixth month, Tenshō 10) The Honnō-ji Incident occurs in Kyoto in Japan, as Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga, on the verge of unifying Japan under his rule, is assassinated following a betrayal by a rebel subject, Akechi Mitsuhide.source
1583May 21 – Battle of Shizugatake in Japan: Shibata Katsuie is defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who goes on to commence construction of Osaka Castle.source
1589Hiroshima is founded, by the Japanese warlord Mōri Terumoto.source
1589July 17 – (Tensho 17, 5th day of 6th month); The Battle of Suriagehara takes place in Japan between the Date and Katakura clans and the Ashina, Satake and Nikaido clans. Date Masamune leads the two clans to victory over Satake Yoshinobu.source
1593February 12 – Battle of Haengju: Korea defeats Japan.source
1597August 28 – Imjin War: Battle of Chilcheollyang – The Japanese fleet defeats the Koreans, in their only naval victory of the war.source
1597February 5 – In Japan, 26 European Catholic Christians are executed in Nagasaki by crucifixion. They had the misfortune of being shipwrecked on the Japanese coast on October 19, 1596.source
1600Sumo wrestling becomes a professional sport in Japan.source
1600April 19 – The first Dutch ship ever to arrive in Japan, the Liefde ("Love"), anchors in Sashifu, in the Bungo Province (modern-day Usuki in Ōita Prefecture). The sailors present on this ship are William Adams, Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn, Jacob Quaeckernaeck and Melchior van Santvoort.source
1600October 21 – The Battle of Sekigahara occurs in what is now present-day Gifu Prefecture, Japan, where the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu emerges victorious against the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari. The battle ends the Sengoku period and grants the Tokugawa clan nominal control over Japan, establishing the Tokugawa shogunate with Tokugawa Ieyasu as shogun.source

17th century

1603The earliest of eight companies that will eventually merge to form the Kikkoman Corporation, the producers of soy sauce, is founded in Japan.source
1605April 16 – Tokugawa Ieyasu abdicates as shogun of Japan, becoming Ogosho (retired shogun). His son Tokugawa Hidetada succeeds him to the office.source
1605February 3 – The 1605 Keichō earthquake, of estimated 7.9 magnitude, strikes Japan south of the island of Honshu, and triggers a tsunami that washes away hundreds of houses and kills thousands of people.source
1611Itoh Gofuku, a predecessor of Matsuzakaya, a famous department store, is founded for the sale of silk in Nagoya, Japan.source
1611December 2 (Keichō 16, 10th month, 28th day) – The 1611 Sanriku earthquake of 8.1 magnitude strikes off of the coast of Japan and causes a tsunami that kills almost 5,000 people in the northern section of Honshu island.source
1612The Nagoya Castle is completed in Japan.source
1614March 15 – Construction begins on the Takada Castle in Japan.source
1615Konoike Shinroku opens an office in Osaka, and begins shipping tax-rice from western Japan to Osaka.source
1615June 4 – Forces under shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu take Osaka Castle in Japan, beginning a period of peace which lasts nearly 250 years. Bands of Christian samurai support Ieyasu's enemies at the Battle of Osaka.source
1638January 8 – Shimabara Rebellion: The siege of Shimabara Castle ends after 27 days in Japan's Tokugawa shogunate (part of modern-day Nagasaki prefecture) as the rebel peasants flee reinforcements sent by the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu.source
1651The Keian Uprising fails in Japan.source
1655January 5 – Emperor Go-Sai ascends to the throne of Japan.source
1656Konoike Zen'amon (son of Konoike Shinroku) founds a baking and money-changing business in Osaka, Japan.source
1663March 5 – Emperor Go-Sai's reign ends, and Emperor Reigen ascends to the throne of Japan.source
1673The Mitsui family's trading and banking house is founded in Japan.source
1680June 4 – Tokugawa Tsunayoshi becomes the new Shōgun of Japan upon the death of his older brother, Tokugawa Ietsuna, who had been shōgun for 29 years.source
1687May 6 – Emperor Higashiyama succeeds Emperor Reigen, on the throne of Japan.source

18th century

1709February 19 – Tokugawa Ienobu becomes the sixth shōgun of the Tokugawa dynasty of Japan, after the death of the shōgun Tsunayoshi, who had been head of government since 1680.source
1709July 27 – Japan's Emperor Higashiyama abdicates after a reign of 23 years that began in 1687, and is succeeded by his son Yoshihito, who is enthroned as the Emperor Nakamikado.source
1721A suggestion box is developed under the eighth shōgun of Japan, Yoshimune Tokugawa.source
1735April 13 – Emperor Sakuramachi accedes to the throne of Japan.source
1747June 9 – Emperor Momozono ascends to the throne of Japan, succeeding Emperor Sakuramachi.source
1751October 27 – The Hōreki period begins in Japan.source
1758Okadaya (岡田屋), predecessor of AEON, a multiple retailer group, founded in Yokkaichi, Japan.source
1781June 12 – Ohmiya (近江屋), as predecessor for Takeda, a major worldwide pharmaceutical brand, is founded in Doshomachi (道修町), Osaka, Japan.source
1783August 4 – Mount Asama, the most active volcano in Japan, begins a climactic eruption, killing roughly 1,400 people directly and exacerbating a famine, resulting in another 20,000 deaths (Tenmei eruption).source
1791April 29–May 8 – The first American ships reach Japan, brigantine Lady Washington captained by John Kendrick of Boston, and the brig Grace.source

19th century

1830Sogo, a Japanese department store brand founded in Osaka, Japan, as predecessor part of Seven & I Retail Group.source
1831January 10 – Japanese department store, Takashimaya in Kyoto established.source
1847May 8 – The Nagano earthquake leaves more than 8,600 people dead in Japan.source
1858May (unknown date) – Japanese trading company Itochu founded in Toyosato, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.source
1862Iwai Fumisuke Shoten (岩井文助商店), predecessor of Japanese conglomerate Sojitz, is founded in Osaka.source
1875July 11 – Tanaka Manufacturing, a telecommunications factory in Ginza, Tokyo, a predecessor of Toshiba, a Japanese electromechanics giant, is founded.source
1876Samurai are banned from carrying swords in Japan, and their stipends are replaced by a one-time grant of income-bearing bonds.source
1877April 12 – The University of Tokyo is officially established in Japan.source
1879June 4 – Yasukuni Shrine is officially renamed from Tokyo Shokonsha Shrine in Japan.source
1879March 11 – The Ryukyu Domain is incorporated into the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan and the last ruler, Shō Tai, exiled to Tokyo.source
1882October 21 – Waseda University is founded by Shigenobu Ōkuma in Japan as Tokyo Specializing School.source
1887Nagase Shoten (長瀬商店), predecessor of Japanese cosmetics and toiletry brand Kao Corporation, is founded in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan.source
1888April 13 – Kahisakan (可否茶館), the first coffee shop in Japan, opens in Tokyo.source
1888May 10 – Nippon Oil Corporation, predecessor of Eneos, a petroleum and gas energy brand in Japan, is founded in Niigata Prefecture.source
1890Japanese tractor and iron pipe brand, Kubota founded in Osaka, Japan.source
1890April 2 – Kashihara Shrine, a landmark spot in Nara Prefecture, Japan, is officially built by Emperor Mutsuhito (Emperor of Meiji).source
1893October 14 – A devastating levee collapse, flash flood and landslide hit and damage around Kyushu Island, Shikoku Island and western Honshū in Japan, due to a strong typhoon wind; an official document reports that 2,044 people perish.source
1897June 18 – Kyoto University is officially established in Japan.source
1899February 1 – The Suntory whisky distiller and worldwide alcoholic and soft drink brand of Japan is established by Shinjiro Torii in Osaka as a store selling imported wines.source

20th century

1904May 15 – Russo-Japanese War: Russian minelayer Amur lays a minefield about 15 mi km off Port Arthur, and sinks Japan's battleships Hatsuse, 15,000 tons with 496 crew, and Yashima. On the same day, the Japanese protected cruiser Yoshino sinks after being accidentally rammed by the armored cruiser Kasuga, killing over 270 crew, including Captain Sayegi and his second-in-command, Commander Hirowateri. Japan will keep the loss of Yashima secret for over a year.source
1910Hitachi, an electromechanics company, is founded as a mining machine repair factory in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.source
1914December 20 – Tokyo Station officially opens in Japan, replacing Shinbashi Station as Tokyo's main terminal.source
1917April – Imokawa Mukuzo Genkanban no Maki, the first anime, is released in Japan.source
1920November 2 – Meiji Shrine, one of many landmark spots in Tokyo, is officially built in Japan.source
1927December 30 – The first Asian commuter metro line, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, opens in Japan.source
1938May 21 – Tsuyama massacre: Matsuo Toi kills 30 people in a village in Okayama, Japan, in the world's worst spree killing by an individual until 1957.source
1940July 27 – Eleven British nationals, including Melville James Cox, are arrested on suspicion of spying for military intelligence by the secret police in Japan. Cox commits suicide in Tokyo on July 29, according to a report by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.source
1947May 29 – A United States Army Air Forces Douglas C-54 Skymaster crashes on approach to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, killing all 41 on board in the worst aviation accident in Japanese history up to this time.source
1948June 28 – Lotte Group, a global conglomerate in Northeast Asia (South Korea and Japan), is founded.source
1952April 28 – The Treaty of San Francisco goes into effect, formally ending the war between Japan and the Allies, and simultaneously ending the occupation of the four main Japanese islands by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.source
1962July 25 – The first attack helicopter company, Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company, of the United States Army is formed on Okinawa Island, Japan.source
1964May 9 – South Korean President Park Chung Hee reshuffles his Cabinet, after a series of student demonstrations against his efforts to restore diplomatic and trade relations with Japan.source
1975May 16 – Junko Tabei from Japan becomes the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.source
1977February 3 – In northern Japan a blizzard piles snow on rooftops, causing many to collapse killing at least 31 people.source
1979April 2 – In Japan, the channel of TV Asahi premieres Doraemon.source
1985March 17 – Expo '85, an international exhibition, opens in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, running until September 16.source
1989April 21 – The Nintendo Game Boy has its first official release in Japansource
1994June 30 – The Liberal Democratic Party in Japan regains power after spending 11 months in opposition, in coalition with the Japan Socialist Party.source
1997December 16 – In Japan, over 700 children suffer photosensitive epilepsy attacks after watching an episode of the Pokémon anime.source
1998February 7–22 – The 1998 Winter Olympics are held in Nagano, Japan.source

21st century

2001January 31 – 2001 Japan Airlines mid-air incident: Japan Airlines Flight 907 and Flight 958 almost collided with each other in Yaizu, Shizuoka, Japan. Flight 907 safely landed at Narita Airport and Flight 958 continued to Naha Airport. 100 people were injured.source
2002June 29 – Second Battle of Yeonpyeong: During the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, two North Korean patrol boats cross a contested border in between the two Koreas and attack two South Korean Chamsuri-class patrol boats.source
2008June 14 – A 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, kills 12 and injures more than 400.source
2009January 1 – Japan, Mexico, Turkey and Uganda assume their seats on the United Nations Security Council.source
2011February 26 – The Nintendo 3DS has its first release in Japan, following later releases in Europe on March 25, North America on March 27, and Australia on March 31.source
2012December 28 – Japanese supercentarian Jiroemon Kimura surpasses the final age of Danish-American supercentarian Christian Mortensen of 115 years, 252 days and becomes the oldest validated man in recorded history.source
2014September 27 – Mount Ontake, in Japan, erupts, killing several climbers on the slopes of the volcano.source
2016April 14–16 – A series of major earthquakes strikes southwestern Japan, killing 277 people and injuring 2,809.source
2019March 31 – Taiwan scrambles its fighter aircraft after two Chinese jets crossed the maritime border between the two nations. Just the day before, Japan had similarly scrambled its jets after Chinese jets flew between Miyako and Okinawa.source
2019October 12 – Typhoon Hagibis makes landfall in Japan, the biggest storm to hit the region in decades, with over seven million people urged to evacuate.source
2019September 20–November 2 – The 2019 Rugby World Cup is held in Japan and is won by South Africa who defeated England in the final.source
2020April 7 – COVID-19 pandemic: Japan declares a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 and finalises a stimulus package worth 108 trillion yen (US$990 billion), equal to 20% of the country's GDP.source
2020August 15 – The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil are spilled into the ocean, becoming the largest environmental disaster in the history of Mauritius.source
2022January 1 – The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the largest free trade area in the world, comes into effect for Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.source
2024April 3 – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 strikes off the eastern coast of Taiwan, with small tsunamis reaching heights of 20 – 30 hitting Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.source
2024January 1 – A 7.5 M ww earthquake strikes the western coast of Japan (Noto Peninsula), killing at least 504 people and injuring 1,389 others. A further 5 are killed the next day when a Coast Guard aircraft carrying humanitarian aid was involved in a collision with a Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 aircraft, destroying both aircraft. All 379 people aboard the passenger jet are evacuated safely.source
2025December 8 – A 7.6 earthquake occurs in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in Japan, triggering a tsunami up to 70 cm high.source
2025July 30 – An 8.8 earthquake strikes off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and Hawaii.source
2025November 25 – A report published by the United Nations shows that Indonesian capital Jakarta has surpassed Japanese capital Tokyo as the world's largest city, with a population of 42 million people.source