The Imperial seats during the Nanboku-chō period were in relatively close proximity, but geographically distinct. They were conventionally identified as:
During the Meiji period, an Imperial decree dated March 3, 1911 established that the legitimate reigning monarchs of this period were the direct descendants of Emperor Go-Daigo through Emperor Go-Murakami, whose Southern Court (南朝, nanchō) had been established in exile in Yoshino, near Nara.
Until the end of the Edo period, the militarily superior pretender-Emperors supported by the Ashikaga shogunate had been mistakenly incorporated in Imperial chronologies though it was acknowledged that the Imperial Regalia were not in their possession.
1352, also called Bunna gannen (文和元年): The new era name was created to mark the accession of Emperor Go-Kōgon. The previous era ended and the new one commenced in Kannō 3.
In this time frame, Shōhei (1346–1370) was the Southern Court equivalent nengō.
Events of the Bunna era
1352 (Bunna 1, 11th month): The grandfather of the emperor is advanced from the rank of dainagon to nadaijin.
1353 (Bunna 2): Kyoto occupied by southern forces under Yamana Tokiuji; and the capital was retaken by the Ashikaga.
1355 (Bunna 4): Kyoto taken by southern army; Kyoto retaken again by the Ashikaga forces.
Notes
↑Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Bunwa" in Japan encyclopedia, p. 93; n.b., Louis-Frédéric is pseudonym of Louis-Frédéric Nussbaum, seeDeutsche Nationalbibliothek Authority File[link removed].