The Kyōhō famine (享保の大飢饉, Kyōhō no daikikin), was a famine on the Japanese island of Kyushu during the reign of Emperor Nakamikado in the Edo period. It is estimated that 12,172-169,000 people died from starvation. The famine, named after the Kyōhō era (1716–1736), is considered to have begun in 1732 and lasted until 1733. The ruling shōgun during the famine was Tokugawa Yoshimune.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying Kyōhō famine alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
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