Japan new imperial era name, Reiwa - Origins, Selection, Meaning

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Japan on Monday unveiled a new name for the imperial era that begins on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Explainer: Japan new imperial era name, Reiwa - Origins, Selection, Meaning

A staff member displays the calligraphy 'Reiwa' as the new era name at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, April 1, 2019. Franck Robichon/Pool via Reuters

“Reiwa” will be the name for the new era when Naruhito succeeds his father, Emperor Akihito, whose abdication on April 30 will end the 31-year Heisei era.

The imperial era name, or “gengo”, is used on documents, newspapers, calendars and coins. It is the way many Japanese count years, although use of the Western calendar is becoming more widespread, and many use the two systems interchangeably.

Origins of Gengo - Japan imported the imperial calendar system from China about 1,300 years ago.

Starting with the Meiji era (1868-1912), it adopted the practice of “one emperor, one era name.” Previously, era names were sometimes changed mid-reign, such as after disasters.

There have been four era names in the modern period: Meiji, Taisho (1912-1926), Showa (1926-1989) and the current Heisei.

There were calls to abolish the system after Japan’s 1945 defeat in World War Two, but a law enacted in 1979 after a push by conservatives gave it new legal basis.

Selection Process - Under modern guidelines the era name should be appropriate to the ideals of the nation, consist of two Chinese characters, be easy to write and read. It cannot be in common use or have been used in a previous combination.

The emperor does not choose the “gengo”. The cabinet decides from a list of names suggested by scholars and bureaucrats.

Traditionally, characters were selected from ancient Chinese texts, but this time they were taken from a collection of Japanese classical poetry called Manyoshu.

The first character is most often understood to mean “order” or “command” but can also mean “good” and “beautiful”. The second character means “peace” or “harmony”.

The part of the Manyoshu that inspired the new name was translated by a scholar as: “It is now the choice month of early spring; the weather is fine, the wind is soft. The plum blossoms open - powder before a mirror; the orchids exhale - fragrance after a sachet.”

The era name is sometimes abbreviated with its first letter in English, the gengo also customarily doesn’t begin with the initials of the previous modern eras — M, T, S or H.

Fading Use - Use of the imperial era name is slowly declining as Japan becomes more intertwined with the global economy.

A recent Mainichi newspaper poll showed 34 percent of people used mainly gengo in daily life; another 34 percent used both gengo and the Western calendar, while a quarter used mostly the Western system.

In 1975, 82 percent used mainly gengo, 13 percent used both and only 4 percent mainly the Western system.

City offices and government agencies mostly use the imperial era in their paperwork and computer systems, although companies generally use the Western calendar.

Well Kept Secret - The image of Chief Cabinet Secretary Keizo Obuchi announcing the Heisei era name on Jan. 8, 1989, by holding up a framed white placard with the characters hand-written in black ink is an enduring one for many Japanese.

This time, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga did the honors, on live television.

To ensure the new name did not leak, officials involved had to hand in mobile phones and keep quiet until the announcement.

Instead of waiting for the new emperor to take over, the government decided to announce the name a month early. That will give software systems companies and printers time to prepare.

What's in a name? Japan puzzles over 'Reiwa', the term for new imperial era

Japanese printers rushed to turn out calendars emblazoned with the new imperial era name on Tuesday as the public tried to make sense of the meaning of "Reiwa" a day after its unveiling gripped the nation.

New Japanese imperial era 'Reiwa' takes name from ancient poetry

Japan declared on Monday the name of its new imperial era when Crown Prince Naruhito becomes emperor on May 1, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saying it emphasized traditional values at a turning point in the nation's history.

New Japan era name echoes PM Abe's national pride agenda
Japan on Monday unveiled a new name for the imperial era that begins on May 1, drawing from an ancient Japanese text for the first time, echoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative agenda that aims to bolster national pride.

 

[goyacobol]

This is really interesting angelburst29. You go girl! You keep us informed on more countries than anyone I know.

This is the first time they are using Japanese poetry instead of selections from ancient Chinese texts.

The characters were taken from the Manyoshu, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry, in a break with the tradition of selections from ancient Chinese texts.

The name implied “culture is born and nourished when people’s hearts are drawn beautifully together,” Abe told a news conference.

Asked the significance of its selection from a Japanese classical text, Abe said: “It is a collection which expresses our nation’s rich culture, which we should take pride in, along with our nation’s beautiful nature.

 

[Vulcan59]

James Corbett also has an article about the new Japanese Emperor:-

Japan’s Emperor is Abdicating. Here’s What It Means.

 

[goyacobol]

James Corbett also has an article about the new Japanese Emperor:-

Japan’s Emperor is Abdicating. Here’s What It Means.

Thanks for that article, Vulcan59. I love the writing style of James Corbett on that. It's good to know that the Emperor's son Crown Prince Naruhito will take over the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1st. The era name change is going give Japan a 10 day holiday period which is a huge vacation for most in Japan. Learned a lot reading that article.

 

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Japan on Monday unveiled a new name for the imperial era that begins on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Incoming Japanese emperor's life filled with breaks from tradition

Crown Prince Naruhito, set to become Japan's emperor on May 1, is known as an earnest, studious man who wooed and won his ex-diplomat wife, Crown Princess Masako, with a pledge to protect her.

Naruhito, 59, will not only be the first Japanese emperor born after World War Two and the first to be raised solely by his parents, but also the first to graduate from a university and pursue advanced studies overseas.

He will assume the throne after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates on April 30, the first Japanese emperor to do so in nearly 200 years.

“When I think of what is coming up, I feel very solemn,” Naruhito said at his birthday news conference in February.

 

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Japan's Heisei era: Changes, growth and tragedies

Japanese Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30 will end the three-decade Heisei era that began on Jan. 8, 1989, one day after he inherited the throne upon the death of his father, Hirohito.

Japan's incoming imperial couple offers the nation something new

Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Masako, represent a lot of firsts for an imperial couple: university-educated, multilingual and with years of experience living overseas, during which Naruhito even did his own laundry.

Key dates in life of Japanese Emperor Akihito

Emperor Akihito, 85, will step down on April 30, the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in nearly two centuries. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will inherit the throne the next day.

 

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Emperor Akihito's abdication on Tuesday, one of several ceremonies marking the transition to his heir Crown Prince Naruhito, will be a brief, relatively simple and rare event.

Explainer: Key ceremonies in Japan's imperial succession

The last abdication by a Japanese monarch was in 1817.

Naruhito will become emperor on Wednesday, but his formal enthronement will take place at a more elaborate ceremony in October, to which foreign dignitaries will be invited.

April 30 - ABDICATION CEREMONY (5:00-5:10 p.m.)

The ceremony will take place in the Imperial Palace’s “Matsu no ma,” or “Hall of Pine,” known for its polished wood floor and considered the palace’s most prestigious room. About 300 people will attend the event broadcast live on national television.

Imperial chamberlains carry the state and privy seals into the room along with two of Japan’s “Three Sacred Treasures” — a sword and a jewel — which together with a mirror are symbols of the throne. They are said to originate in ancient mythology.

The sword, representing one kept at a shrine in central Japan, and the jewel are enclosed in cases. The mirror is kept at Ise Grand Shrine, the holiest Shinto site in Japan.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will announce the abdication followed by Akihito’s final remarks as emperor. Empress Michiko, Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako will attend along with the leaders of both houses of parliament and Supreme Court justices.

May 1 - REGALIA INHERITANCE (10:30-10:40 a.m.)

This is the first stage of Naruhito’s accession to the throne. Chamberlains put the seals, sword and jewel on desks in front of the new emperor as proof of his rightful succession.

The ceremony is observed by a small group that includes adult male royalty and representatives of the three branches of the government, including Abe and his cabinet. Akihito and Michiko will not be present.

The ceremony is not open to female royalty, but Satsuki Katayama, the only female minister in Abe’s cabinet, will be the first woman in modern history to attend.

Naruhito will wear a Western tailcoat. Akihito wore a Western morning coat when he became emperor in January 1989.

May 1 - EMPEROR’S FIRST REMARKS (11:10-11:20 a.m.)

Shortly afterwards, Naruhito will make his first public remarks as emperor in the “Matsu no Ma,” comments that might offer hints about his goals or hopes for his reign.

In 1989, Akihito pledged to protect the constitution and fulfill his duties. He also expressed his hopes for national prosperity, global peace and the well-being of humanity.

Abe will speak as the representative of the Japanese people.

New Empress Masako and other members of the royal family will be present, along with representatives from the three branches of the government and their spouses.

May 4 - EMPEROR, EMPRESS GREET WELL-WISHERS AT PALACE

Naruhito and Masako make their first public appearance, greeting well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace. They will appear six times during the day from 10 a.m. (0100 GMT)

A large turnout is expected as the public event takes place during a 10-day holiday. More than 100,000 people flocked to see Akihito and Michiko in 1990.

Oct. 22 - ENTHRONEMENT CEREMONY

Naruhito proclaims his enthronement in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from nearly 200 countries.

Like his father, the new emperor is expected to wear a traditional robe and headdress.

He will step into the “Takamikura” - a 6.5 meter (21 ft) high pavilion that weighs about 8 tonnes - and briefly sit on a cushioned chair with a seat made from tatami straw.

Naruhito then stands as the pavilion curtains are drawn open and declares his succession to the world.

Britain’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana and U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle were among the 2,200 people who attended the ceremony for Akihito in 1990.

The royal couple will ride in an open-top Toyota Century limousine through central Tokyo. Some 120,000 people, many waving national flags, lined the route in 1990 to cheer Akihito and Michiko as they passed by in a Rolls-Royce Corniche III.

Nov. 14-15 - GREAT THANKSGIVING CEREMONY

Naruhito will offer newly harvested rice and sake rice wine to imperial ancestors and deities, and partake of them himself as he prays for bumper crops and national peace.

The government has earmarked 2.7 billion yen ($24 million) for the ceremony, including costs to build temporary halls at the Imperial Palace for the occasion, although there has been controversy over the constitutionality of the state funding the event that involves strong religious elements.

($1 = 111.9700 yen)

Slideshow (3 Images)
Explainer: Key ceremonies in Japan's imperial succession

Security beefed up in Tokyo as emperor prepares to abdicate
Divers scoured moats around the Imperial Palace and police dogs sniffed in bushes on Monday as authorities ramped up security for the start of Japan's new "Reiwa" imperial era.

 

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Emperor Naruhito ascends throne in Japan with 'sense of solemnity'

Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally took up his post on Wednesday a day after the abdication of his father, saying he felt a "sense of solemnity" but pledging to work as a symbol of the nation and the unity of its people.

'Sense of solemnity': Japan emperor assumes throne

The following is an English translation by the Imperial Household Agency of Japanese Emperor Naruhito's speech on Wednesday at his accession ceremony.

Formal investiture ceremony starts for new Japanese Emperor Naruhito

The formal investiture ceremony for new Japanese Emperor Naruhito began on Wednesday, marking the first time in over 200 years that an emperor has acceded to the throne following an abdication.

And then there were three - Japan's shrinking pool of imperial heirs

Now that Japan has a new emperor, Naruhito, its imperial family will be left with just three heirs to the throne - one of whom is 83 - a situation likely to renew debate on the monarchy's males-only succession.

Japan welcomes Reiwa 'New Year' with hopes for peace, prosperity

Japan welcomed the start of a new Reiwa imperial era and a new emperor on Wednesday in a festive New Year mood, with hopes for peace and prosperity.

 

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Cheers and screams as new Japan emperor greets the people for the first time

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greet well-wishers during their first public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Issei Kato

Cheers and screams filled the air in Tokyo on Saturday as new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako made their first greetings to an ecstatic public three days after acceding to the throne following the first abdication in two centuries.

Naruhito’s father, Akihito, 85, abdicated on Tuesday in a simple ceremony, nearly three years after he first expressed fears that advancing age might make it difficult for him to perform his duties. It was the first abdication in 200 years.

Pledging to work as a symbol of the people, Naruhito, 59, was formally invested as emperor the day after.

People queued for hours to see the new emperor and his family stand on a palace balcony and wave to the gathered crowds. Normally such greetings take place during the New Year’s holiday and on the emperor’s birthday.

“I pray for your health and happiness,” said the emperor, reading prepared remarks. “And I sincerely wish for further development of our nation by going hand in hand with other nations and seeking global peace.”

Masako, wearing a yellow dress and hat, waved and smiled to the crowds along with other imperial family members.

They will greet the crowds six times on Saturday, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Akihito became emperor in 1989 after the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, which set off an extended period of mourning throughout Japan, but the mood has been completely different this time.

Clubs held countdowns on Tuesday night, fireworks rocketed into the air and stores held special sales to honor “Reiwa,” the era name under which Naruhito will reign. Hundreds of couples rushed to city offices to register their marriage.

The festive mood, which many compared to New Year’s, has been fed by an unprecedented 10-day holiday that observers expect will bring an economic boost to Japan’s sluggish economy.

 

[angelburst29]

Cheers and screams as new Japan Emperor Naruhito greets the people for the first time
Cheers and screams as new Japan Emperor Naruhito greets the people for the first time

Uploaded on May 4, 2019 (0:11 min.)

Cheers and screams filled the air in Tokyo on Saturday (May 4) as new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako made their first greetings to an ecstatic public three days after acceding to the throne following the first abdication in two centuries.
Emperor Naruhito's father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, 85, abdicated on Tuesday in a simple ceremony, nearly three years after he first expressed fears that advancing age might make it difficult for him to perform his duties. It was the first abdication in 200 years.

Pledging to work as a symbol of the people, Emperor Naruhito, 59, was formally invested as emperor the day after.

People queued for hours to see the new emperor and his family stand on a palace balcony and wave to the gathered crowds. Normally such greetings take place during the New Year's holiday and on the emperor's birthday.

"I pray for your health and happiness," said the Emperor, reading prepared remarks. "And I sincerely wish for further development of our nation by going hand in hand with other nations and seeking global peace."

Empress Masako, wearing a yellow dress and hat, waved and smiled to the crowds along with other imperial family members.

They will greet the crowds six times on Saturday, according to public broadcaster NHK.

 

[angelburst29]

Donning elaborate robes, Japan's new imperial couple hold Shinto rite

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako donned traditional robes on Wednesday for rituals in which he reported to Shinto gods the date of two important ceremonies later this year, including his enthronement.

Japan wants to ink peace treaty with Russia during new Reiwa Era, minister says
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier repeatedly highlighted that he would like to sign the peace treaty with Russia during the life of the current generations.

Japan’s government would like to sign a peace treaty with Russia during the new Reiwa Era, which started in the country on May 1 with Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the throne, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Kono said on Tuesday.

"We would like to solve two problems during the Reiwa Era if possible: to ink the peace treaty with Russia and return to our motherland the citizens abducted by North Korea," TV channel NHK quoted him as saying. The Japanese foreign minister highlighted that during the previous Heisei Era Japan was not involved in any wars and will exert every effort further on for "the peace epoch to continue in the Reiwa Era as well."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier repeatedly highlighted that he would like to sign the peace treaty with Russia during the life of the current generations of Japanese and Russians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to galvanize the negotiations on the peace treaty in November last year in Singapore based on the Joint Declaration as of October 19, 1956. On the sidelines of a G20 summit in December the two state leaders agreed to create a mechanism to solve the problem. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono are in charge of the project, while Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Japanese Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori conduct direct negotiations on it.