Hōreki (宝暦), also known as Horyaku,[1] was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,, lit. "year name") after Kan'en and before Meiwa. The period started in October 1751 and ended in June 1764.[2] During this time, the emperor and emperess were Momozono-tennō (桃園天皇)[3] and Go-Sakuramachi-tennō (後桜町天皇).[4]
The previous era ended in 1751 (Kan'en 4, 27th day of the 10th month); however, this nengō was created years later. By Imperial command, the era was re-named on December 2, 1754, which then became 19th day of the 10th month of the 4th year of Hōreki.[5]
1752 (Hōreki 2): An ambassador from the Ryūkyū Kingdom was received in Edo.[6]
1754 (Hōreki 4): Shimazu clan was ordered to complete Kizo River flood control project[7]
1762 (Hōreki 12): Emperor Momozono abdicated; and the succession passed to his sister (senso). Soon after, Empress Go-Sakuramachi's role as monarch was confirmed by ceremonies (sokui).[11]
31 August 1762 (Hōreki 12, 12th day of the 7th month): Former-Emperor Momozono died.[12]
1763 (Hōreki 13): A merchant association handling Korean ginseng is founded in the Kanda district of Edo.[13]
1764 (Hōreki 14): Sweet potatoes are exported from Edo to Korea. The food crop in Korea is the result of a diplomatic mission.[14]
♯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.