The current emperor is abdicating on 30 April. The Heisei era comes to an end.
His son, the crown prince Naruhito, will be enthroned on 1 May. Along with him comes a new era name.
Currently there are a lot of speculations floating around on the internet about the new name. It seems that the most popular guess is 『安久』(あんきゅう)which probably means something like “peace forever”.
Personally, I’d be surprised if the next nengo will actually be あんきゅう. It’s like people trying to predict who’s going to be the next pope and it’s never the favourite. Some unknown cardinal always gets the most votes. Or in this case, a heretofore unmentioned name will be announced as the new emperor’s name.
Do you want to also guess the new era name? How about 好位置? Does that sound good?
They can also choose some popular name, honouring the fact that the Simpsons have outlasted Akihito (The Simpsons series debuted in December 1989 but their first appearance was on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987).
We already have 2 popes named John Paul. Maybe the next pope should be Pope George Ringo? I mean come on, let’s not overlook the fact that there are 4 Beatles.
It’s a little on the nose, but…血縁? Ketsuen? I’m sure the Japanese conservatives would love it. Kings, emperors, they’re are all about those blood ties. It’s not too hard to write.
I think we can all see the hand writing on the wall, but I’m still in denial.
Aha, there we go. Emperor 手垣 (Shuen). How about that? I think it’s more suitable for the Tokugawa era, like a fancy stop sign, but better anachronistic than never.