Timeline of 661
- 661/1 Empress Saimei journeys to Kyushu to oversee in person the strengthening of defenses against possible Tang/Silla attack.
- 661/5 Members of a Yamato mission to Tang China formerly confined in Chang'an by the Chinese authorities arrive back in the Japanese islands.
Other Events of 661
- Empress Saimei is succeeded by her son, Emperor Tenji.
- Tenji establishes Kanzeon-ji in honor of his mother.
Births and Deaths
- Empress Saimei dies at the Asakura Tachibana Palace (b. 594).
| Previous Year 660 |
661 | Following Year 662 |