Japan has unveiled the name of the new imperial era that will begin when Prince Naruhito becomes head of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy next month. Reiwa, comprising of two Chinese characters that can be read “order” and “peace”, replaces Heisei (“achieving peace”), the title of the current era under Naruhito’s father, Emperor Akihito. Scholars of classical literature and history spent months debating in secrecy what to call the new era. The new era name will go into effect at the stroke of midnight on May 1st, when Crown Prince Naruhito officially becomes the nation’s 126th emperor. The second part of the name is a throwback to the Showa era of 1926-1989, which many of the prime minister’s conservative supporters revere.

Source: The Irish Times April 01, 2019 06:00 UTC