Dr Hadamy Majoub
Japan has its own calendar linked to the reign of each Emperor. Today, a month ahead of the abdication of the Emperor of Japan on April 30, Japan – The Government of Japan announced REIWA /令和 as the name for the new era beginning on May 1.
The name “REIWA” comes from a passage of Manyoshu, the oldest collection of Japanese poetry. As PM Abe explained, this name means that culture is born and nurtured when people harmonize their hearts
The name of the current era “HEISEI” “平成” (1989-present) has a variety of interpretations and English translations, but it is said to mean that peace will be achieved.
In the 30 years of HEISEI, Japan has sought a more active role as a responsible member of the international community in a wide range of fields including development, peacebuilding, culture and other global issues.
To mark this historic moment, Japan will begin a series of HEISEI and Japan posts to highlight topics related to the HEISEI era and Japan, which will help us contemplate how Japan’s diplomacy should be shaped in the coming era.
