Local governments are planning something special for those who register their marriage on the first day of the new era, including gifts and commemorative photos, as they prepare for a spike in the number of couples tying the knot on May 1.
The start of the new Reiwa Era upon the enthronement of Crown Prince Naruhito will fall on an auspicious day for marriage according to a traditional Japanese calendar, likely prompting many couples to file their marriage papers that day.
Some local governments plan to set up temporary counters for marriage registrations, instead of accepting the documents at the security guards' room — usual practice on a public holiday.