So as many people may not know, in Japan, they count the years according to how many years the emperor has been in office. since 1989, the era has been named 平成, or, Heisei. 2018 was the year Heisei 30. However, in recent days, the new era was announced! This is the first time in history the emperor stepped down instead of passing away and then a new emperor was announced. From here on out, the new era will be called 令和, or Reiwa. According to NHK, this is what the general meaning of Reiwa means.

“Approximate English translation:

The time is first spring, in a fair ("Rei") month,
When the air is clear and the wind a calm ("wa") breeze.
Plum flowers blossom a beauty's charming white
And the fragrance of the orchids is their sweet perfume.”

Also, another first is that typically, scholars choose the name based on old Chinese literature, however, this time around, it was chosen from old Japanese literature.

Here are the other candidates for the potential era names.

Eikō (英弘)

Kyūka (久化)

Kōshi (広至)

Banna (万和)

Bampō (万保)

Do you think they could have chosen a better era name?

I hope this era comprises of everything the scholars hoped for.

*to reiwa*

xoxo,e