The new era name Reiwa, chosen on Monday, carries the connotation that culture will be born and grow among people who care for each other in a beautiful manner, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a press conference following the announcement of the name.
Reiwa will replace the current Heisei era name on May 1 when Crown Prince Naruhito assumes the throne. It was derived from the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest poetry collection.
The classic anthology was chosen because it "symbolizes the rich culture of the people and the nation's long traditions," Abe said, citing the fact that the work was compiled about 1,200 years ago and features poems composed by people from a wide range of social classes, from emperors and Imperial family members to farmers.
Abe began his press conference by reading a statement in which he said Reiwa reflects the wish to "make sure to pass on to the next era the national characteristics of Japan -- eternal history, sophisticated culture and beautiful nature for all four seasons."
"We also include the wish that Japan will be a place where each and every Japanese person can make their own large flower bloom with hopes for tomorrow," he added.
When Heisei was chosen as the new era name on Jan. 7, 1989, then Chief Cabinet Secretary Keizo Obuchi made the announcement and read out a statement by then Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita.
Asked why he delivered his announcement personally, Abe said: "It was rare at that time for a prime minister to hold a press conference. However, over the past 30 years of the Heisei era, prime ministers have had more opportunities to talk directly [to the public]."
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