New era for Japan / myLot

Japan

April 29, 2019 1:17am CST

Did you know that our current emperor is abdicating (for health and old age reasons) and so we are crowning our new Emperor on May 1? This is the first time a name for the new era has been picked before the crowning. Our new era's name will be "Reiwa." There is a good deal of muttering about this, because "rei" can mean "order" or "obedience". "Wa" is "peace". So some people are saying, "Are we going back to pre-war Japan where obedience to the emperor is peace?" Also, it looks like the character for "cold" so it gives a bad feeling to some. I am not too sure I like it either. But one interesting thing is that since through April 30 it is still Heisei, my granddaughter's kindergarten class is the last class to be accepted in a Heisei year. So my other granddaughter will be accepted to kindergarten in Reiwa 2. I have lived in Japan during three eras: Showa, Heisei and now soon it will be Reiwa. What have you heard in your country about the new era and new emperor?

6 people like this

5 responses

rakski

@rakski (156388)

• Philippines

29 Apr 19

This is interesting. My daughter is very interested in learning Japanese culture

Denise

@petatonicsca (7070)

• Japan

29 Apr 19

Is she studying Japanese language too?

Anna

@LadyDuck (502427)

• Italy

29 Apr 19

I have read the news today, but I did not know that this change is giving bad feeling to some. I hope everything will be fine.

Torunn

@Torunn (8606)

• Norway

29 Apr 19

Haven't heard much about the new era but that you're getting a new emperor has been on the news. Some members of the Japanese royal family visited Trondheim and the university here some years ago, then we heard a lot about Japan in general.

Danna B.

@db20747 (43419)

• Washington, District Of Columbia

29 Apr 19

Have not heard until now!!! Wish u all well with a new emporer!!

Junbals

@Junbals (1421)

• Philippines

29 Apr 19

I wish the Japanese people prosperity and peace under the new emperor. After the Second World War, I have the impression that the power of the emperor has been more ceremonial than real. The Japanese constitution has clipped his wings, as it were.