Genji era

Genji is a Japanese era after Bunkyū and before Keiō. This period spanned only slightly more than a single year from March 27, 1864 until May 1, 1865. The reigning emperor was Emperor Kōmei.
The new era name was derived from the I Ching.

Change of era

March 27, 1864 Genji gannen: The new era name of Genji was created to mark the beginning of a new 60-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The old era ended and a new one commenced in Bunkyū 4.

Events

July 8, 1864 : The Ikedaya Jiken, also known as the Ikedaya Affair or Ikedaya Incident, developed at the Ikedaya ryokan in Kyoto.August 12, 1864 : Sakuma Shōzan is assassinated at age 53. He had traveled from Edo to Kyoto on orders of the shogunate. He was in favor of steps which would lead to an opening of the country, but his voice was stilled by death at the hands of a sonno joi supporter.September 5–6, 1864 : Bombardment of Shimonoseki