The name of the nation's next Imperial era, announced on Monday, drew largely positive responses from people on the streets through the day.
The Reiwa Era, which will begin on May 1 when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, is written with two kanji characters. The first character, "rei," means "good fortune" while the second, "wa," means peace or harmony.
Many members of the public said they thought the name was simple and easy to read and write. A few pointed to the first character, which also can be translated to "command" or "order" in certain contexts, saying that it bears a negative connotation.