The Yōwa famine (養和の飢饉, Yōwa no kikin), was a famine which affected Japan at the end of Heian period. Famine is considered to have begun in 1181, and lasted until 1182. It was named after the Yōwa era (1181–1182), during the reign of Emperor Antoku. The shogunate system was not established in Japan yet. The famine was most severe in western Honshū (including Kyoto) and Kyushu islands. The famine was caused by an alternating, untimely drought and flood.