Kanki famine

The Kanki famine, also spelled as Kangi famine, was a famine which affected Japan during the Kamakura period. The famine is considered to have begun in 1229/1230 and lasted until 1231/1232. It was named after the Kangi era, during the reign of Emperor Go-Horikawa. The shogun of Japan was Kujō Yoritsune. The famine was severe throughout Japan. It was caused by cold weather caused probably by volcanic eruptions, coupled later with a general breakdown of society.
The early 1200s were a cold period in Japan, especially from 1225–1228. In 1229, it seems a failed harvest followed a drought, resulting in a shortage of food. As the excessive rains, The lack of sunlight caused cold so severe, winter clothing was necessary in spring and summer. The relief efforts by Emperor and Shogunate were generally ineffective, human trafficking was legalized in 1231, The social order broke down, and bands of marauding robbers became common. The strife spilled even to Goryeo, as starving residents of Kyushu raided coastal towns for food.
Overall, meaning the Kanki famine may be the worst in Japanese history. In the same years, the great famine also struck Kievan Rus' and Novgorod.