The Imperial seats during the Nanboku-chō period were in relatively close proximity, but geographically distinct. They were conventionally identified as:
During the Meiji period, an Imperial decree dated March 3, 1911 established that the legitimate reigning monarchs of this period were the direct descendants of Emperor Go-Daigo through Emperor Go-Murakami, whose Southern Court (南朝, nanchō) had been established in exile in Yoshino, near Nara.[3]
1389, also called Kōō gannen (康応元年): The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events. The previous era ended and the new one commenced in Kakei 3.
In this time frame, Genchū (1384–1393) was the Southern Court equivalent nengō.[4]