On December 24, 1854 CE, a massive earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.4, struck the Nankai region of Japan. The quake triggered a tsunami that caused widespread destruction and killed thousands. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes in Japanese history.

The 1854 Ansei Nankai earthquake was a major disaster that inspired a significant body of Japanese literature, including poems and chronicles that documented the tragedy. The event was often interpreted as a divine warning and contributed to the theme of impermanence in Japanese poetry. The earthquake is a key event in the history of Japanese literature, where it is used to explore themes of suffering, resilience, and the relationship between humans and nature.