Kanpō

was a , also known as Kampō, after Genbun and before Enkyō. This period spanned the years from February 1741 through February 1744. The reigning emperor was . thumb | right | alt=A traditional Japanese portrait painting depicts Emperor Sakuramachi dressed in elaborate, formal court attire. The person wears a voluminous, patterned kimono with a geometric diamond motif in shades of blue and green, lined with red fabric visible at the sleeves and collar. The kimono's wide sleeves and layered structure are characteristic of aristocratic garments from historical Japan. The figure sits cross-legged on a rectangular, multi-colored mat with red, green, and gold stripes and decorative swirls. A tall, black, rounded hat, known as an eboshi, adorns the person's head. The background is a simple gradient of gold and green, emphasizing the subject and their ornate clothing. | Portrait of the Emperor Sakuramachi by Kazahaya Shōshō ==Change of era== 1741 : Based on the belief in Chinese astrology that the 58th year of the sexagenary cycle brings changes, the era name was changed to Kanpō (meaning "Keeping Lenient and Generous"). The previous era ended and the new one commenced in Genbun 6, on the 27th day of the 2nd month.

==Events of the Kanpō era== 1742 (Kanpō 2): A comet was seen in the sky. 1742 (Kanpō 2, 8th month): Persistent heavy rains create floods throughout the country, with noteworthy devastation in Musashi province, Kōzuke province, Shimotsuke province, and Shinano province. In Heian-kyō, the Sanjo Bridge is washed away in this destructive storm cycle. 1743 (Kanpō 3, 11th month): A comet was sighted in the night sky; and this comet is likely to have been what is today identified as C/1743 X1 (De-Cheseaux).