Japan’s Next Imperial Era to Be Called ‘Reiwa,’ or ‘Auspicious Calm’
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Yoshihide Suga unveils the name of Japan's next imperial era "Reiwa" on April 1.
Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Japan named its next imperial era Reiwa, or roughly “auspicious calm,” as the nation prepared for a once-in-a-generation transition in the world’s oldest continuous monarchy, with a new emperor set to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne next month.
The unveiling of what had been a closely guarded secret is among the first steps toward the imperial succession. Emperor Akihito, 85, is preparing to step down at the end of the month, drawing the curtain on his three-decade reign. His eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will replace him May 1, marking the beginning of the new era.