Wadō (和銅) was a Japanese era name (年号, nengō, "year name") after Keiun and before Reiki. This period spanned the years from January 708 through September 715.[1] The reigning monarch was Empress Genmei (元明天皇, Genmei-tennō).[2]
The Japanese word for copper is dō (銅); and since this was indigenous copper, the "wa" (the ancient Chinese term for Japan) could be combined with the "dō" (copper) to create a new composite term -- "wadō"—meaning "Japanese copper". A mint was established in the province of Ōmi;[4] and the Wadō era is famous for the coin wadōkaihō/wadōkaichin (和同開珎), which is recognized as the first Japanese currency. -- see image of Wadō Kaichin from Japan Mint Museum
After Empress Gemmei transferred the seat of her government to Nara, this mountain location remained the capital throughout the succeeding seven reigns.[8] In a sense, the years of the Nara period developed into one of the more significant consequences of her comparatively short reign. After reigning for eight years, Empress Genmei abdicated in favor of her daughter.[4]
| Preceded by | Era or nengō Wadō 708–715 |
Succeeded by |