Updating software, shaping history: New imperial era name looms large in Japan

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Keizo Obuchi unveils the new era name 'Heisei' at a news conference in Tokyo, Japan, January 7, 1989, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) - In Japan, every emperor's era has its own name - appearing in places such as coins, official paperwork and newspapers - and with abdication coming at the end of April, speculation is swirling about what the new "gengo" will be.

Although the Western calendar has become more widespread in Japan, many people here count years in terms of gengo or use the two systems interchangeably. Emperor Akihito's era, which began in 1989, is Heisei, making 2019 Heisei 31.