Wadō
Wadō was a Japanese era from 708 to 715, named for the discovery of copper in Japan. It began during the reign of Empress Genmei.
Empress Genmei: Empress Genmei ruled Japan from 707 to 715, overseeing the establishment of the capital at Nara. Her reign began Wadō and encompassed its full duration.
Japanese era name: A Japanese era name is a regnal period used to identify years in the Japanese calendar. Wadō was one such period, following Keiun and preceding Reiki.
Japanese monetary history: Japanese monetary history traces the forms of money and monetary institutions used in Japan. Wadōkaichin connects the era to an early state-backed currency.
Shoku Nihongi: The Shoku Nihongi is an eighth-century official chronicle of Japan covering events from 697 to 791. Its account records the court’s response to the copper discovery.
Wadōkaichin: Wadōkaichin was a copper coin issued in Japan beginning in 708. Its name echoed the era, and its issue accompanied the copper discovery.
Japanese calendar: The Japanese calendar is the system used to designate dates in Japan, including era-based year numbering. Wadō’s years are counted within this changing calendar system.
Fujiwara-kyō: Fujiwara-kyō was Japan’s imperial capital from 694 to 710, before the move to Heijō-kyō. Wadō began at this capital before the court relocated in 710.
Nihon Shoki: The Nihon Shoki is an official chronicle of Japan completed in 720, covering events through 697. It supplies earlier court history immediately preceding Wadō.
Chichibu copper mine: A copper deposit in present-day Saitama Prefecture, Japan, associated with the discovery reported in 708. The deposit is linked to the copper presented at Wadō’s start.
Empress Jitō: Empress Jitō ruled Japan from 686 to 697 and was succeeded by Emperor Monmu. Her era, Keiun, immediately preceded Wadō.