National Sep 15, 2019
'Tensho' was leading candidate for Japan's new era name before selection of 'Reiwa': sources
‘Tensho’ was the leading choice of experts for the new imperial era name before the submission of ‘Reiwa,’ sources say.
National Apr 9, 2019
Exhibition in Fukuoka Prefecture explores origins of Reiwa, name of Japan's next era
An exhibition exploring the origins of Reiwa, the name selected for the forthcoming era, opened Tuesday at a museum in Fukuoka Prefecture, where poems about plum blossom viewing that inspired the era name are said to have been written. The event, which runs through June ...
National Apr 4, 2019
Reiwa was only added to list of candidates for Japan's new era at final stage
The new era name apparently emerged after Yoshihide Suga on March 14 officially asked experts to come up with more proposals, sources said.
National Apr 3, 2019
Banna, Banpo, Eiko, Koshi and Kyuka: The Japan eras that could have been, beaten out by Reiwa
Five of the potential names for Japan's next era that were unsuccessful at the final stage came to light Tuesday, a day after the government selected Reiwa from the six finalists. The five other candidates were Eiko, Kyuka, Koshi, Banna and Banpo, sources with knowledge ...
National / Politics Apr 2, 2019
What's in a name? Reiwa reflects today's politics, Japan's cultural history and a social philosophy
by Reiji Yoshida
Media hype over Reiwa, the newly announced name for the upcoming era, continued unabated Tuesday. At the same time, a majority of people appeared to happily welcome the name, which means "auspicious" (rei) and "peace" or "harmony" (wa). However, the choice of the era name ...
National Apr 2, 2019
Foreign media focus on break in tradition after Reiwa is picked for Japan's new era name
U.S. and other Western media covering the announcement Monday of the new Imperial era name emphasized the decision by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to break with tradition by selecting a name from a Japanese rather than a Chinese work of classical literature. "The break ...
National / Politics Apr 1, 2019
Reiwa: Japan reveals name of new era ahead of Emperor's abdication
by Tomohiro Osaki and Sakura Murakami
In a much-awaited moment that heralded the approach of a new chapter in Japan's history, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced Monday that the new Imperial era will be named Reiwa, in one of the final steps toward initiating the nation's first Imperial succession ...
National / History | THE LIVING PAST Jul 14, 2018
Japan was slow to drive its pigs to the market
by Michael Hoffman
Ancient Japan appears to us as a land of warriors, priests, aristocrats, artists, poets, lovers, peasants — but one group is missing. Where are the traders, and the makers of tradable goods?
National / History | THE LIVING PAST Jan 16, 2016
'It is I who rule' — Japan's 'Manyoshu' morning
by Michael Hoffman
What fun civilization is in its infancy! How bright and fresh the world looks at the dawn of consciousness! Listen: "Your basket, with your pretty basket,/ Your trowel, with your little trowel,/ Maiden, picking herbs on this hillside,/ I would ask you: Where is your ...
Lifestyle Apr 19, 2014
by Jon Mitchell
As counterculture groups around the world celebrate annual April 20 marijuana festivals, we examine the country's historical and cultural links to the much-maligned weed.
Travel Dec 7, 2013
by Steve John Powell
Beautiful beaches, we've all seen our share, right? But a beautiful beach that's also historic and sacred? That sounds worth driving out of our way for — especially as the way takes us over a span I've long yearned to traverse: the Ondo Bridge, ...