Manji (era)


Manji was a Japanese era name after Meireki and before Kanbun. This period spanned the years from July 1658 through April 1661. The reigning emperor was Emperor Go-Sai of Japan.

Change of era

1658 Manji gannen: The era name was changed to mark a disastrous, great fire in Edo. The previous era ended and a new one commenced in Meireki 4, on the 23rd day of the 7th month.
The source of this era name comes from the Records of the Grand Historian: "When the common people know their place, then all under heaven is ruled"

Events of the ''Manji'' era

1658 : In the aftermath of the Great Mereiki Fire, the shogunate organized four all-samurai, all-Edo firefighting squads.1658 : Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu is born. Yoshiyasu will become Shōgun Tsunayoshi's favorite courtier and chief counselor.1659 : In Edo, construction begins on the Ryōgoku Bridge.1660 : Former rōjū Sakai Tadakatsu entered the Buddhist priesthood.