Japan has revealed the name that will symbolize a new era under its next emperor... and also to use it as the basis of Japan's Imperial calendar system.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
Carefully selected by a panel of experts and the government under strict secrecy,... Tokyo has announced the two characters that will be the name of its new era under Japan's next emperor.
"Japan's new Imperial name is "Reiwa"
'Reiwa',.. which symbolizes auspiciousness and harmony,... will be used as the basis for Japan's unique Imperial calendar system,... once Crown Prince Naruhito takes over the Chrysanthemum Throne from his father, Emperor Akihito, on May 1st.
Akihito's abdication will bring an end to the 'Heisei Era'.
2019 will be known as the first year of the new era, or Reiwa 1, and will be used on official documents, coins, driver's licenses and newspapers, by businesses and in daily life starting next month.
While the Gregorian calendar is widely used in Japan, the older generation still use the Japanese system.
Japan's Prime Minister also expressed his hope for the new 'gengo', or era name.
"We decided this name as we thought this is the best gengo to show our hope to the new era."
Some observers have pointed out that the Abe administration has put a message on ultra-nationalism centered on Japan,... by the continual use of the imperial era.
In the wake of Japan's defeat in World War 2 some argued the system should be abolished on account of its relation to Emperor Hirohito... who ruled Japan during the war.
However, with calls by conservatives in Japan for the ongoing use of the gengo,... the rather controversial tradition continues.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
