Culture

August 19 — Japan's History and Today

August 18, 2026

August 19 is an important day in Japanese history. Today we look back at the enthronement of Empress Kōken, Hōjō Sadatoki becoming the 9th Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate, and a remarkable achievement in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

749 - Enthronement of Empress Kōken On August 19, 749, Crown Princess Abe ascended the throne as Empress Kōken, the 46th Emperor of Japan. This enthronement significantly impacted the political landscape of the time, with policies during her reign passing down to future generations. For foreigners residing in Japan, understanding the transitions in the imperial family can provide deeper insights into Japanese culture.

1284 - Hōjō Sadatoki as the Shikken of Kamakura Shogunate In 1284, Hōjō Sadatoki took office as the 9th Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate. His reign marked an important period of political transformation. Studying this period can deepen one's understanding of the Kamakura era. Foreigners interested in history might gain more knowledge by visiting Kamakura.

2016 - Achievement at the Rio Olympics In 2016, at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Hirooki Arai won the first medal for Japan in the men's 50 km racewalk event. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Japan's sports history. Foreigners living in Japan can also enjoy the cultural exchange that sports and Olympic achievements bring.