Ōtoku

Ōtoku was a Japanese era name after Eihō and before Kanji. This period spanned the years from February 1084 through April 1087. The reigning emperor was Emperor Shirakawa-tennō.

Change of Era

February 9, 1084 Ōtoku gannen: The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events. The previous era ended and the new one commenced in Eihō 4, on the 7th day of the 2nd month.

Events of the ''Ōtoku'' Era

1084 : The empress Kenshi, the emperor's principal consort, died. Shirakawa was afflicted with great grief, and for a time, he turned over the administration of the government to his ministers.1086 : Shirakawa announced his intention to abdicate in favor of his son.January 3, 1087 : Shirakawa formally abdicated, and he took the title Daijō-tennō. Shirakawa had personally occupied the throne for 14 years; and for the next 43 years, he would exercise broad powers in what will come to be known as cloistered rule.