Member-only story
Japan Welcomes in a New Era
With the abdication of Emperor Akihito, the Heisei era has now drawn to a close.
The new era is called “Reiwa” meaning beautiful harmony.
It begins on May 1st when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
The Heisei era was a 30-year period of relative peace for Japan. Yet there were decades of economic stagnation and many natural disasters, including the massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
For those of us living in Japan this is a reflective time. It’s the end of an era in the literal sense!
I have experienced a great many highs (and a few lows) while I have been living in Japan. Yet I recognize I don’t mention the place much in my writing despite it is a huge part of my life.
This is for a few reasons.
First, I write in a global voice — I aim to be relevant to readers regardless of where I live. I reference Japan and other countries within personal anecdotes from time to time, but on the whole my writing is location free.
Second, Japan is my home. I have lived here a long time. I speak, read and write Japanese. To a certain extent, I don’t see the weird and wacky aspects to Japan that others do. Some…
