jan 1, 1782 - Famine Devastates Japan

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One of the worst famines of the Edo period, the Temme Famine lasted from 1782 to 1787. Mortality estimates range widely—from 200,000 to 900,000. The famine started after unseasonable weather damaged crops; flooding, cold winds and the eruption of Mt. Asamayama (whose ash buried 25 villages) prolonged it. In many areas, high taxes had left farmers without reserves of rice. The Shogunate's efforts at relief were largely ineffectual and the destitute resorted to foraging for roots, eating cats and dogs, and even cannibalism

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