October 23 — Japanese History and Today

1614: Tokugawa Hidetada Leaves Edo Castle On October 23, 1614, Tokugawa Hidetada, the shogun of the Edo government, departed Edo Castle to engage in the Osaka Winter Campaign. This military campaign was part of the power struggle between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans, marking a significant step towards solidifying Tokugawa rule over Japan. Edo Castle, today's Imperial Palace, was the political and military center. For foreign residents in Japan, knowing this helps understand the historical significance of the capital.

1868: Change to Meiji Era and 'One Reign, One Era' Edict On October 23, 1868, Japan's era name changed from Keiou to Meiji, marking the start of Emperor Meiji’s reign. On the same day, the 'One Reign, One Era' edict was established, meaning each emperor would have only one era name throughout their reign. This reform was a foundation for modern Japan’s calendar system. For foreigners living in Japan, understanding the era names is useful as these are commonly used in official documents, dates, and cultural contexts.