Japan's Heisei imperial era: three generations look back, and ahead

Kenji Saito poses at his ramen noodle shop in Tokyo, Japan April 12, 2019. Picture taken on April 12, 2019. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-hoon

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Heisei era, which began when Emperor Akihito inherited the throne on Jan. 7, 1989, and ends when he abdicates on April 30, saw economic stagnation, disasters and technological change.

Generations of Japanese lived through those decades. Their differing views and experiences will shape the legacy of the Heisei years.