5 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.
What happened
China (2)
In the ninth month, Emperor Tenmu died, and the empress took power and ruled as sovereign. (Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) 日本書紀 卷第三十 持統紀 称制前紀 단락10)
In the tenth month, Prince Ōtsu was condemned for treason; an edict pardoned his accomplices, and the prince died. (Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) 日本書紀 卷第三十 持統紀 称制前紀 단락16)
Japan (1)
In the first month of Shuchō 1 (686), a fire broke out at the Ōkura Office in Naniwa and the whole palace burned. (Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) 日本書紀 卷第廿九 天武紀下 朱鳥元年(天武 15年) 단락509)
Western Europe (2)
Cædwalla and his brother Mul ravaged Kent and the Isle of Wight. (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Giles/Ingram 1847 A.D. 686 항 (pg657.txt 줄 1893))