End of the Heisei Era: Japanese government to announce new era name on 1 April

Japanese netizens pitch in with guesses on what it might be.

Almost three years after Emperor Akihito, the current emperor of Japan, hinted that he would be abdicating the throne because of his ailing health, we are now hurtling toward the end of the Heisei Era.

And with 30 April confirmed to be the date of abdication, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has revealed that a new era name will be officially announced on the morning of 1 April.

▼ No, we doubt the government will risk ire trying to pull off an April Fool’s joke on everyone.

Japanese era names are traditionally composed of two kanji that carry the hopes and dreams for the coming period. Heisei (平成), for instance, means “achieving peace”, a fitting name for the harmonious age following the tumultuous Second World War.

As to what exactly the new name would be is up to speculation, but an ongoing survey asking for input from Internet users has revealed some interesting opinions. Performed by supermarket chain Izumiya and Shimazaki Sake brewery, correct guesses of the new era name would award winners a bottle of wine each.

Spanning eight months, the survey recorded a total of 11,307 entries as of 29 March 2019. The top five guesses were as follows:

▼ 1. Anei (389 respondents)

Translated as “everlasting peace”, this would be a great candidate if not for the fact that an era of the same name already exists, lasting from 1772 to 1781.

▼ 2. Ankyu (348 respondents)

Also meaning “everlasting peace” but with a different kanji, this one has been making rounds all over the Japanese Internet.

▼ 3. Eiko (199 respondents)

A period of “everlasting light” would be a fantastic way to illuminate the future.

▼ 4. Eian (193 respondents)

Similar to the aforementioned Anei, but with the kanji switched around, this would be akin to “peace everlasting”.

▼ 5. Eiwa (183 respondents)

Meaning “never-ending harmony”, this once again seems to highlight Japanese people’s desires for a steady period of peaceful unity.

We will find out whether any of these were chosen on 1 April, when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explains the meaning of the new era name after its reveal. There’s only a month left before Crown Prince Hironomiya Naruhito ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne in what’s sure to be a splendid ceremony. The Heisei era will soon end, but as long as we hold hope in our hearts, the future remains forever bright.

Source: Livedoor News via My Game News Flash, Izumiya, PR Times
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso, SoraNews24
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