Emperor Akihito looks “as usual” when briefed on new era name

April 1, 2019

Tokyo--Retiring Emperor Akihito looked "as usual" when he was briefed on the next Japanese era name Monday, according to Imperial Household Agency Grand Steward Shinichiro Yamamoto.

Yamamoto told reporters that he informed the Emperor at the Imperial Palace that the government selected Reiwa as the new era's name earlier in the day.

The Emperor "had the usual expressions on his face while listening" to the agency chief's explanations including about the era name's source, Yamamoto said.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Naruhito received a report on the new era's name from Vice Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura at the Crown Prince's Residence in the Akasaka Estate.

The Crown Prince listened to the report "with a smile," Nishimura said.

Reiwa will replace the current era, Heisei, at the beginning of May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito will accede to the throne following Emperor Akihito's abdication April 30.

Reiwa will also be the next Emperor's posthumous name. Jiji Press