Shuchō

Shuchō, alternatively read as Suchō or Akamitori, was a Japanese era name after a gap following Hakuchi and before another gap lasting until Taihō. This Shuchō period briefly spanned a period of mere months, June through September 686. The reigning sovereigns were Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.

History

In 686, also known as Shuchō gannen, the new era name referred to the red bird of the south, which was one of the Chinese directional animals. The nengō did not survive Emperor Tenmu's death. The era ended with the accession of Temmu's successor, Empress Jitō.

Timeline

The system of Japanese era names was not the same as Imperial reign dates.

Events of the ''Shuchō'' era

686 : Emperor Tenmu dies686 : rebellion of Prince Ōtsu discovered; he and conspirators are arrested686 : Prince Ōtsu commits suicide686 : Princess Ōku, Prince Ōtsu's sister, is removed from position at Ise Shrine686 : earthquake