‘Reiwa’ is Japan’s new imperial era name
TOKYO: “Reiwa” — Japan yesterday revealed the name of the era that will define the new emperor’s reign when he ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne next month following a historic abdication.
The new imperial name consists of two characters: “Rei”, which can mean “order”, but also “auspicious”, and “Wa”, usually translated as “peace” or “harmony”.
After weeks of speculation and top-secret discussions, the two kanji characters were unveiled to reveal a name that will last as long as new emperor Naruhito’s rule.
Emperor Akihito, 85, will be the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries when he steps down on April 30 in favour of Crown Prince Naruhito, who will take the throne the next day.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said “Reiwa” came from “Manyoshu”, an anthology of Japanese poems dating back 1,200 years that “symbolises our nation’s profound public culture and long tradition”.
“Just like amazing plum flowers in full bloom that signal the arrival of spring after bitter cold, each and every Japanese person can hope for the future and make their own flowers blossom,” he said.
“It is the first time it comes from a Japanese text” rather than Chinese, Abe said.
Crowds gathered to watch live broadcasts of the announcement, many cheering as the chief cabinet secretary held up a board with the name inked in black calligraphy.
The announcement of a new era name is a massive event in Japan. Although the Gregorian calendar is widely used in the world’s thirdlargest economy, Japan is the only country using Chinese-style imperial calendars for private and public documents as well as computer records.
A secretive nine-member panel whittled down options for the name in closed-door talks. The name must adhere to strict rules.
It should consist of only two characters, be easy to read and write, and not employ common names or the first character of the last four eras.