Nanbokuchō period (Japan, 1336–1392)
Refers to the Japanese historical period of rival Northern and Southern imperial courts. Used in academic and historical contexts.
During the Nanbokuchō period, the Northern Court in Kyoto and the Southern Court in Yoshino were in conflict.
Northern and Southern Dynasties period (China, 5th–6th c.)
Refers to the Chinese historical period of division between Northern and Southern dynasties. Less common in everyday Japanese; mainly in historical texts.
China's Northern and Southern Dynasties period was also a time when Buddhism spread.