“Reiwa” announced as name of Japan’s next era

April 1, 2019

Tokyo -- "Reiwa" will be the name of Japan's next era to succeed the current Heisei, the Japanese government said Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga displayed a calligraphy of the new era name written in kanji at a press conference.

The era name will change following Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30. Crown Prince Naruhito, the Emperor's eldest son, will accede to the throne on May 1. Jiji Press