Kanji “Wa,” Meaning Harmony, Most Popular for New Era Name

January 21, 2019

Tokyo--"Wa," meaning harmony, is the most popular "kanji" Chinese character among Japanese people for use in the new era name, or "gengo," to replace Heisei, according to a private survey.

As a reason, respondents expressed "hope for harmony in the world and human relations."

The kanji "wa" won the greatest support, of 13.5 pct, followed by "an," meaning comfort, with 9.5 pct, "sachi," meaning happiness, with 5.1 pct, "hikari," for light, with 4.4 pct, and "mei," for brightness, with 4.3 pct.

The survey by Mitsubishi Electric Building Techno-Service Co. was conducted on Dec. 3-14, covering 500 men and the same number of women aged 20 or older.

As favorite gengo, Showa (1926-1989) gained the overwhelming support of 54.9 pct. As for reasons, one respondent said that "the mood was vigorous, as seen in the post-World War II reconstruction and the rapid economic growth," while another said that "it was an era filled with significant changes in Japan."

Showa was followed by Heisei, the current era that started in 1989 and is set to end in April, with support from 19.3 pct, Meiji (1968-1912), with 8.5 pct, and Genroku (1688-1704), with 3.3 pct. Jiji Press