The government may hold off on announcing the name of the country's new era until April 11 or later, ahead of the ascension of the new Emperor on May 1, government sources said Wednesday.
The government has proceeded with preparations for the change of the gengō (era name), including the update of government ministry and agency information systems, on the assumption that it would be announced around a month before Crown Prince Naruhito accedes the throne.
The idea of pushing back the announcement of the new era name by around 10 days has been considered as a cross-party group of lawmakers, including conservatives in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, look to leave the first part of the month open for a festival commemorating the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of Emperor Akihito on April 10, the sources said.