Reiwa: Japan reveals name of new era ahead of Emperor's abdication

BY TOMOHIRO OSAKI

APR 1, 2019

"In a much-awaited moment that heralded a new chapter in Japan’s history, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced Monday that the new Imperial era will be named Reiwa, taking one of the final steps toward initiating the nation’s first imperial succession in three decades…

The first character represents “good fortune,” while the second can be translated as “peace” or “harmony.”

This was the first time that the characters chosen were taken from Japanese classical literature. Prior era names had used kanji from Chinese literature…

The new era will start on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne following the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito"