令和 – Reiwa Era

The Chief Cabinet Secretary just announced the name of new era.  It will be Reiwa (令和: pronounce “ray-wa”).  It means auspicious and peaceful.  The Heisei period will continue until the 30th of April when the Emperor Akihito will abdicate the throne and the Reiwa period will start on the first of May.  Please click here to read about Japanese imperial year.