Society

New era name to be announced 11:30 on Monday

Mar 30 (NHK) - Japanese people now have a time for the unveiling of the name of the country's new era, which will start when the new Emperor takes the throne on May 1. The Chief Cabinet Secretary says the long-awaited announcement will be made at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

Yoshihide Suga says before that, he'll meet with an expert panel and hear their views on name proposals. After more discussions, the Cabinet will decide. Then around noon, Suga says the Prime Minister will explain the selection.

On Friday, the Prime Minister met with Emperor Akihito to report on state affairs. It's believed Shinzo Abe briefed the Emperor on the progress being made to select a new era name.

The era name is common in many facets of daily life and is used to mark the year. Dates on official identification and documents including driver's licenses use that system, not the western calendar.

The system has been used continuously for more than 13 centuries.

Japan will usher in the new era on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the throne. Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate the day before, bringing the current Heisei era to a close.

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