TOKYO, April 1 -- Japan on Monday revealed the name of the era as "Reiwa," which will define the new emperor's reign when he ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne next month following a historic abdication. The name consists of two characters: "Rei," which can have meanings related to "order" but also "auspicious" and "Wa," usually translated as "peace" or "harmony." After weeks of fevered speculation and top-secret discussions, the two "kanji" characters were unveiled to reveal a name that will last as long as new emperor Naruhito's rule. It may appear arcane to outsiders, but the announcement of a new era name is a massive event in Japan, marked with special newspaper editions, calligraphy shows and public festivities. Although the Gregorian calendar is widely used in the world's third-largest economy, Japan is the only country still using Chinese-style imperial calendars for private and public documents as well as computer records. The new name therefore has a huge impact on daily life and people tend to recall major events in public and private life by when they fell in a certain era, 2019 is known as Heisei 31, or the 31st year of current Emperor Akihito's rule. Strict guidelines to select the name The era name must adhere to strict guidelines. It should consist of only two characters, be easy to read and write, and not employ common names or the first character of any of the last four eras: Heisei, Showa, Taisho and Meiji. Company names are excluded as well as the most popular choices in private guessing competitions, amid widespread speculation online as to what the new name could be. To prevent leaks, the panel were locked away in a special room in the prime minister's office, swept for bugs, and their phones confiscated. The 85-year-old Akihito will become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around two centuries when he steps down on April 30 in favor of Crown Prince Naruhito, who will ascend the throne the next day. Japan is marking the announcement of the new era in a wide variety of ways, some less serious than others.
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