Imperial era names — once coined by emperors, now by the Cabinet

Japan will usher in a new era, Reiwa, when Crown Prince Akihito ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 — a day after Emperor Akihito abdicates.

Gengō, the Japanese term for era names, aren't merely used to identify the reign of an emperor. They are symbols of sorts that reflect the zeitgeist of the nation and indicate the path the country as a whole aspires to.

The era under Emperor Akihito's reign, Heisei, was named with hopes to achieve peace following the tumultuous Showa Era, which saw Japan's descent into World War II and subsequent recovery. Reiwa, in the words of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was named with a desire for the people to be hopeful and to cultivate a new future, as well as pass down the country's rich history, culture and natural beauty to the next generation.