Taika (era)

was a . It was the first "nengō" and the "Hakuchi" was the second. This period started in August 645 and ended in February 650. During this time, the emperor was . 
History.
The system of "nengō" mirrored the Chinese system of eras ("nianhao"). The use of "nengō" marked a new phase in the history of the Imperial court. It became an example of growth in political power.
Timeline.
The system of Japanese era names was not the same as Imperial reign dates.