Japan's prime minister confirmed in his New Year's news conference that the era name for the new emperor's reign will be disclosed April 1. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday that 2019 will mark pivotal times for Japan, repeatedly referring to Emperor Akihito's stepping down. Era names are important as they are needed to determine what year it is in the traditional Japanese calendar. The great public attention the rituals surrounding the new emperor's arrival have drawn highlights how steeped in tradition Japan remains, despite modernization. Abe said the details of how the new name will be announced are still being worked out.

Source: ABC News January 04, 2019 06:44 UTC