Western to Japanese Year Converter
Convert Western (Gregorian) years to Japanese era years. Enter a year between 1868 and 2025 to see its corresponding Japanese era year(s).
Understanding Japanese Era Years
The Japanese calendar system uses era names (年号, nengō) to count years. Each era begins with a new emperor's reign or significant historical events. The current era is Reiwa (令和), which started on May 1, 2019, with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito.
The modern era system began with the Meiji era (1868-1912), followed by Taishō (1912-1926), Shōwa (1926-1989), Heisei (1989-2019), and the current Reiwa era.
Common Uses of Japanese Era Years
- Official documents and government paperwork in Japan
- Historical research and academic studies
- Understanding Japanese cultural references and media
- Business and legal documentation in Japan
- Traditional ceremonies and cultural events
How to Read Japanese Era Years
Japanese era years are typically written as [Era Name] + [Year Number]. For example:
- 令和5年 (Reiwa 5) = 2023
- 平成31年 (Heisei 31) = 2019
- 昭和64年 (Shōwa 64) = 1989
Why Convert Between Calendars?
Converting between Western and Japanese era years is essential for:
- Understanding historical documents and records
- Filling out official forms in Japan
- Researching Japanese history and culture
- Working with Japanese businesses and organizations
- Studying Japanese language and customs