Emperor’s exit resets Japan calendar


Guessing game: A shop worker arranging dolls depicting Japan’s chief Cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga (left) and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe holding the new era names speculated by the public at Kyugetsu, a traditional doll company, in Tokyo. — AP

Tokyo: The abdication of Japan’s Emperor Akihito on April 30 will quite literally mark the end of an era, the Heisei era of his rule, and highly secretive talks have been going on for months on what to call the next one.

This is anything but a procedural issue, as the name of the era has a tangible effect on the daily lives of the Japanese as well as a psychological impact on the nation.

Subscribe now for a chance to win your dream holiday!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Regional

Police deploy 1,250 officers for King's installation
Nato moving into Indo-Pacific?
A grand pirouette - An increasing number of middle-aged, elderly women in Japan are taking Ballet classes
Malaysian injured by falling concrete in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui
Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia
Malaysia needs time to study Asean joint visa proposal, says Home Minister
Mt Ruang: Last eruptions before Wednesday occurred in 2002, 1949
Thailand drops joint patrols with Chinese police after public backlash
Cops on the hunt for cable thieves in Ayer Hitam
Najib wanted to answer questions on money laundering in court, says investigating officer

Others Also Read