As the Heisei era ended and the Reiwa era began, many people have perhaps have had the solid sense of the advent of a new age.
Ranked at the top of this year's list of the 10 biggest domestic news events, as chosen by Yomiuri Shimbun readers, was "The Emperor ascends the throne. Era name becomes 'Reiwa.'"
The Emperor of the Heisei era abdicated, and the new Emperor acceded to the throne on May 1. The end of an Imperial reign due to abdication took place for the first time in 202 years, the first since the Meiji era.
During the Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi ceremony held in October, the Emperor pledged: "I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the State ... while always wishing for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world." During the celebratory parade held in November, about 120,000 people lined the streets, cheering while taking photos and videos with their smartphones.
The second-ranked news, "Rugby World Cup Japan tournament begins, Japan reaches quarterfinals," also lent a bright color to the new age.
Japan won all four of its matches in its group to realize a long-held dream of reaching the quarterfinals. Made up of members of various nationalities united under the motto "One Team," the squad scored tries repeatedly, encouraging the people. This was an outstanding feat that will surely be remembered for a long time.
Also in the world of sports, the news that "Golfer Hinako Shibuno wins Women's British Open" was ranked eighth. The news that "Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle Mariners announces retirement" was ranked ninth. The retirement of a superstar and the emergence of a new star have made us feel the changing of the times.
This year has also been one in which the nation faced issues that have continued from the Heisei era.
The fifth-ranked news was "Typhoons, torrential rains cause damage, claim lives in rapid succession in eastern Japan," making us fully realize this year, too, that Japan is a disaster-prone archipelago. Massive and extremely powerful typhoons brought serious damage.
In addition to the improvement of embankments and the like, it is vital for each of us to enhance our awareness of disaster prevention on a daily basis.
The third-ranked news, "Arson attack on Kyoto Animation Co. studio kills 36 people," was an appalling incident that claimed lives of promising anime creators.
The suspect's brutal crime reflects his twisted emotions. Society faces the grave question of how we should confront these kinds of crimes.
In October, the consumption tax rate was raised to 10%, the news of which ranked fourth. The new revenue source will be used for the improvement of the social security system and for fiscal reconstruction. Efforts to alleviate the people's anxiety about the future must move forward.
In order to sustain and further develop Japan, the promotion of science and technology is also indispensable.
The sixth-ranked news, "Akira Yoshino wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry," was delightful. Not to be overlooked, however, is the present state of affairs where young researchers who will bear the destinies of Japan on their shoulders have not been fully fostered. It is necessary to support their growth by improving research environments and the treatment of researchers.
-- This article appeared in the print version of The Yomiuri Shimbun on Dec. 23, 2019.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
