The government is likely to announce the name of the next Imperial era around April 1, 2019, a month before Crown Prince Naruhito becomes the next emperor, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.
The government will begin preparations for the change of gengō (era name) on the assumption that the new one will be announced about a month ahead of Naruhito's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, according to Suga.
"It takes roughly one month to adjust information systems to the new name in the public and private sectors," Suga said, adding that they are working under an assumed timeline, and that the government has not decided the date when the name will be released.