Japan incorporates 'harmony' into name of new era

The reign of the next Japanese emperor will be known as the "Reiwa" era, the government announced on Monday, ahead of the coronation of Crown Prince Naruhito next month.

The era, whose name includes the character for "harmony", will formally begin once the new Emperor is crowned on May 1, CNN reported.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he hoped the new name, which was adapted from an 8th century anthology of classic poetry, "will be widely accepted by the people and deeply rooted in life in Japan".

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to hold a press conference later Monday to explain the full meaning of the new name.

The current Heisei Era began in 1989, when Akihito succeeded his father Emperor Hirohito, who ruled during the Showa period and is now known as the Showa Emperor.

It will come to a close on April 30, the day Akihito abdicates.

Akihito, soon to be known as the Heisei Emperor, will become the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to step down, relinquishing the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, who will become the 126th emperor.

Information about how the name of the era was decided and discussions around it have been closely guarded.

Era names can also become political. The Showa era, the name of which can be interpreted to mean "period of radiant Japan", spanned the rise of Japanese fascism and nationalism, when imperial troops under the Rising Sun banner invaded numerous neighbouring countries.

--IANS

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