Takashi's Japanese Dictionary

A blog for learning Japanese that introduces Japanese slang words and Idioms!

Meaning and Origin of Reiwa, Heisei and Shōwa, Japan’s Imperial Eras

This post explains Japan’s imperial era (gengō) and also briefly describes the origins, meanings and zeitgeists of the latest eras ‘Reiwa’, ‘Heisei’ and ‘Shōwa’. What’s 元号 (Gengō)? Japan’s imperial era is called 元号 (gengō). It is used alongside the Western calendar in official documents such as drivers’ licenses and health insurance cards. Usually, the era ends upon the death of each emperor and followed by the enthronement of his successor, but the current era ‘令和’ has started following the abdication of Emperor Akihito.  How the name of gengō is coined Japan’s era name is determined after a great number of discussions among scholars, experts and cabinet members. There are also…Read More

Heisei Saw “Titanic” Economic Bubble Followed by ‘The Lost Two Decades’

Pronunciation Meaning and Origin of 平成 (Heisei) The name of ‘平成‘ (Heisei) reflects the wish for world peace. It was coined in reference to two Chinese phrases ‘内平外成’ meaning ‘peace inside and prosperity outside’ and ‘地平天成’ meaning ‘the peaceful and prosperous world’. The former appears in ‘書経’ (‘Shujing’,‘The Book of Documents’), and the latter in 史記 (‘Shiji’, ‘The Records of the Grand Historian’), both of which are ancient Chinese literature. The Zeitgeist of Heisei Era Bubble Economy The Heisei era got off to an auspicious start, with Japan’s over-inflated economy reaching its pinnacle. At the time, the top 5 companies by market capitalization in the world were all Japanese, and…Read More

Meaning of the Reiwa Era (令和) in Japanese and Its Origin

Today, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has announced the name of Japan’s new era, ‘令和’ (Reiwa). The new era is set to start on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito will become the new Emperor after Emperor Akihito abdicates on April 30. 令和 will be the 248th era in the history of Japan.Read More