Japan Notifies New Imperial Era ‘Reiwa’ Beginning May 2019
- The Government of Japan has announced the name of its new imperial era as “Reiwa” which is set to begin on 1 May.
- On May 1, 2019, Japanese Emperor Akihito’s elder son, Prince Naruhito is expected to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan.
- Each Japanese emperor’s reign is given a name that is then used alongside the Western calendar to mark the years.
- The country’s current era is named as ‘Heisei’ and will end on April 30, 2019 with Emperor Akihito’s retirement.
- ‘Reiwa’ can be translated to “beautiful harmony”.