Meireki (明暦) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,; lit. "year name") after Jōō and before Manji. This period started in April 1655 and ended in July 1658. During this time, the emperor was Go-Sai-tennō (後西院天皇).
Events of the Meireki era
In the 1st year of Meireki, a Joseon diplomatic mission was receivedIn Meireki 3, Edo was burned in a great fire
1655 (Meireki 1): The ambassador of Korea is received in Japan.
1655 (Meireki 1): Emperor Go-Mizunoo went for the first time to location at base of Mount Hiei where Shugakuin Palace (Shugakuin Rikyū) would be built.
2-3 March 1657 (Meireki 3, 18th-19th days of the 1st month): The city of Edo was destroyed by fire, also known as the Great Fire of Meireki.
In 1656-1659, Go-Mizunoo built the Imperial villa and Japanese gardens at Shugakuin Rikyū.
♯The Northern pretenders did not recognize the Genkō era. Gentoku was used in the Northern Court until 1332. ₪The Shōkyō era was recognized only by the Northern pretenders, not by the Southern Court. ‡ Upon reunification of the Northern and Southern Courts in 1392, Genchū was discontinued. Meitoku was used until 1394.