Reiwa period facts for kids

History of Japan

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The Reiwa period (pronounced Ray-wah) is the current era in Japan. It started on May 1, 2019. This era began when Naruhito, the elder son of Emperor Akihito, became Japan's 126th Emperor.

Reiwa Period: Japan's New Era

The Reiwa period is a special time in Japan's history. It is part of a system called nengō (pronounced nen-goh). A nengō is like a special name for a period of years. Each new era starts when a new emperor takes the throne. The Reiwa era followed the Heisei period, which lasted from 1989 to 2019.

How Did the Reiwa Era Start?

The Reiwa era began on May 1, 2019. On this day, Emperor Akihito stepped down from his role. His son, Naruhito, then became the new Emperor. This was a very important event for Japan. It was the first time in over 200 years that an emperor had stepped down.

The Meaning of the Name "Reiwa"

The name "Reiwa" was chosen carefully. It comes from an old Japanese poetry collection called the Man'yōshū. The two kanji characters that make up "Reiwa" have deep meanings:

• Rei (令) means "order" or "command," but in this context, it means "beautiful" or "auspicious."
• Wa (和) means "harmony" or "peace."

So, "Reiwa" can be understood as "beautiful harmony" or "auspicious peace." This name was chosen to represent a time of peace and hope for the future of Japan.

This is an extract from Volume 5 of the Man'yōshū, where the characters for "Reiwa" were found.

Announcing the New Era

The name "Reiwa" was announced on April 1, 2019. This was one month before the new era officially began. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga made the announcement. Many people in Japan watched the news on TV and celebrated this historic moment.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announcing the new Imperial era name to the world.

Japanese office workers watching the announcement on live television.

A crowd watching the televised announcement on a giant screen in Shinjuku.

What Does This Mean for Japan?

The start of a new era is a big deal in Japan. It affects many things, like calendars and official documents. It also brings a sense of new beginnings and hope for the country's future. The Reiwa era is a time for Japan to continue growing and working towards a peaceful and harmonious society.

Images for kids

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  Plum blossoms in Minabe, Wakayama. The name "Reiwa" is inspired by a poem about plum blossoms.

See also

In Spanish: Era Reiwa para niños