National May 30, 2021
Japan's emperor and empress attend tree planting event remotely
Emperor Naruhito expressed his respect and gratitude to people who are working strenuously to contain the coronavirus crisis.
National May 1, 2020
Emperor Naruhito upholds tradition and searches for role in first year of reign
The imperial couple have been receiving updates on the virus crisis from medical experts, including a private lecture at the palace on April 10.
National Apr 14, 2020
Crown prince proclamation ceremonies postponed amid outbreak
The government said Tuesday it has postponed this month's ceremonies to celebrate Crown Prince Akishino's ascent to first in line to the chrysanthemum throne amid the new coronavirus outbreak. The Rikkoshi no Rei ceremonies, originally scheduled for Sunday, are intended to proclaim the 54-year-old crown ...
Books | RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN Feb 8, 2020
'The Japanese Linguistic Landscape': Essays on language by the man behind 'Reiwa'
by Iain Maloney
For the student lost in the midst of memorizing kanji, it's easy to forget that languages are molded not just by the sharp corners of reality but also by the careful caressing of poets. What a joy it is then to have this window ...
National Dec 30, 2019
Government asked that new imperial name come from 'Manyoshu' just nine days before announcement
The government asked the literary scholar who proposed "Reiwa" as the current era name to come up with a candidate from the "Manyoshu," Japan's oldest known poetry anthology, just nine days before the name was to be announced, according to sources. The sources also said ...
Issues | LAW OF THE LAND Dec 23, 2019
The Reiwa Daijosai: Pomp, circumstance and litigation
by Colin P.A. Jones
The separation of church and state in Japan comes under scrutiny in the new era. However, we've been down this road before.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Dec 21, 2019
Japanese media pundits deliver their verdicts on 2019's hit products
by Mark Schreiber
While consumers may take ownership of certain products for granted, there's something reaffirming about acquiring a product that's been designated a hit, and my experiences over the years tell me Japanese aren't especially different from other nationalities in this regard. The origin of Japan's own ...
National Dec 17, 2019
The largest-ever gathering of traditional Japanese artists in Sydney performed together on Monday in celebration of the new imperial era, Reiwa, at the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House. All proceeds from the "Japan Spectacular" performance were donated to a charity called the Japan Club of ...
National Dec 12, 2019
Rei (令), first character of Reiwa era name, picked as Japan's kanji of the year
by Ryusei Takahashi
The character "rei" (令) — as used in the era name of Reiwa, which has been translated to mean "beautiful harmony" — was chosen as kanji of the year, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation announced Thursday. The character garnered 30,427 votes, the largest share ...
Commentary / Japan Nov 5, 2019
Is hope really on the horizon in Japan?
by Yuki Tatsumi
A series of external and internal challenges await the nation, and the years ahead looking anything but hopeful.
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 / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Jul 20, 2019
New era aside, Showa nostalgia continues to keep rolling along
by Mark Schreiber
The new Reiwa Era is now into its third month and histories are starting to appear about the Heisei Era that preceded it. In late June, the publishing arm of the Mainichi Shimbun released a 384-page softcover book titled "Heisei-shi Zenkiroku" ("Chronicle 1989-2019"). The ...