1656

Meireki 2 (明暦二年)

Other Events of 1656

• Kumazawa Banzan is forced to resign from the service of Ikeda Mitsumasa.
• The Qing Court initiates a sea blockade in an effort to starve out Zheng Chenggong (Coxinga), a Ming loyalist based on Taiwan, but it is largely ineffective.
• A yarô hyôbanki, a predecessor to yakusha hyôbanki (actor critiques), is first published.
• The Yoshiwara is forced to move to a new site in northern Asakusa.

Births and Deaths

• Kyoto shoshidai Itakura Shigemune dies (b. 1587).
• Tea master Kanamori Sôwa dies (b. 1584).

Previous Year 1655

1656

Following Year 1657