📖 Reiwa Era

The "Heisei Era," which began on January 8, 1989, ended on April 30, 2019, and on May 1, 2019, Japan officially entered the "Reiwa Era." Although the Reiwa Era has just begun, reflecting on the meaning and origin of the new era name "Reiwa," as well as the historical context in which it started, may provide insights into how to face important future issues for Japan and all of humanity, such as changes in social order, economic structure, and people's lifestyles brought about by the pandemic.

The new era name "Reiwa" is the first era name in Japan derived from classical Japanese literature. The Emperor's abdication during his lifetime is a first in Japan's constitutional history. The consumption tax has been raised to 10%. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in people's lifestyles.