Japanese Era Converter (和暦西暦変換)
Convert between Japanese era years and Western calendar years.
Japanese Era (和暦)
Western Year (西暦)
Japanese Era Reference (年号一覧)
| Era | Romanization | Period |
|---|---|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Japanese era names and when did they start?
The modern Japanese eras are: Meiji (1868–1912), Taishō (1912–1926), Shōwa (1926–1989), Heisei (1989–2019), and Reiwa (2019–present). Each era begins with the enthronement of a new emperor. Reiwa (令和) means 'beautiful harmony.'
How do I convert Japanese era years to Western years?
Add the era's start year minus 1 to the era year. For example, Reiwa 8 = 2019 + 8 – 1 = 2026. Shōwa 50 = 1926 + 50 – 1 = 1975. Japanese government documents often use era years instead of Western years.
Is the Japanese era system still used today?
Yes. Japanese government documents, official forms, bank documents, driver's licenses, and calendars commonly use the era year system alongside the Western calendar. Most Japanese people can convert between the two systems easily.