Japan's Newest Era Name Reiwa – Last Chance to Grab Heisei-Related Goods

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Kumiko, translated

Japan changed its imperial era and era name on May 1, with rough estimates putting the total cost at 16.6 billion yen (approximately 4.5 billion TWD), including renovations to imperial residences and gardens, the abdication and enthronement ceremonies, plus various celebratory banquets for guests. From 2018 to 2020, the overall expenses incurred by the imperial family before and after the transition of eras amounted to a whopping 16.6 billion yen.

April 30 was the day of Emperor Akihito’s abdication. The Emperor, along with Empress Michiko, addressed the Japanese people to express gratitude to their supporters, and noted that the Heisei era had been 30 years of peace both domestically and internationally. The abdication ceremony took place at 10:00 AM Japan time and continued until around 4:30 PM, consisting of 11 separate abdication-related rituals. Around 5:00 PM, the Emperor delivered his final address within his duties: “Along with the Empress, I sincerely hope that the Reiwa era will be one of peace and abundant harvests, and here I pray for the peace and happiness of our country and the people of the world,” expressing wishes for more peace and good fortune in the Reiwa era, praying from the heart alongside the Empress for the peace and well-being of Japan and the people of the world.

Finally, the Emperor said goodbye to members of the Imperial Household Agency, the Imperial Palace Police, and others, with a total of 700 people seeing off the Emperor and Empress Michiko as they exited the palace—a deeply moving scene.

The announcement of the new era name was made on March 29 by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, who stated that it would be revealed at 11:30 AM Japan time on April 1, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explaining the meaning behind the new era name.

“Reiwa” is taken from a poem in Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Manyoshu:

Crown Prince Naruhito is the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, currently 59 years old. The Naruhito family includes Empress Masako and their only daughter, Princess Aiko. This abdication by Emperor Akihito is also the first in 202 years where an emperor steps down while still alive. Emperor Naruhito’s accession on May 1 marked him as the 126th Emperor of Japan.

2019 is the 31st year of Heisei, and many businesses and brands have also launched related goods and commemorative items themed around the “last Heisei.” The most accessible and easiest items for general tourists to get their hands on are Japan Post stamps and postcards printed with the word “Heisei.” For visitors who love Japan and hold a special sentiment toward the Heisei era, when traveling to Japan recently,don’t forget to pick up some memorable Heisei goods. Also,keep an eye out for Japan’s wave of “Reiwa photo” trends (taking photos with Reiwa-branded merchandise), and of course, there will be plenty of Reiwa-era commemorative goods released.

The Japanese public has generally responded positively to the new era name, with many netizens pointing out that it’s easy to pronounce and contains the character “wa,” which means harmony, giving off a positive vibe. Some female netizens even mentioned planning to register their marriage (file for a marriage license) on April 30 as a final memento and memory of the Heisei era.