Kaei (嘉永) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,; lit. "year name") after Kōka and before Ansei. This period started in February 1848 and ended in November 1854. During this time, the emperor was Kōmei-tennō (孝明天皇).
The nengō Kaei means "Celebration of Eternity" or "Eternal Felicity"

During the Kaei era, the shogunate bought guns and encouraged the manufacture of guns.
| Kaei | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1848 | 1849 | 1850 | 1851 | 1852 | 1853 | 1854 |
| Preceded by: Kōka |
Era or nengō: Kaei |
Succeeded by: Ansei |