You're all packed up, passports safely stowed (double, triple-checked), and your flight to Tokyo awaits. While it can be easy to get lost in the overexposed, Insta-filtered neon lights of the world's largest city, digging deeply into the history of Tokyo makes every experience feel more special and real. Just like Rome, Tokyo wasn't built in a day. In fact, it hasn't even been called Tokyo for all that long. Let's take a quick journey through the five most recent eras of Tokyo history!
What separates eras of Japan?
In modern Japanese history, a new era begins with the rule of a new emperor. This system, known as the "one reign, one era name" rule (一斉一元の制）, was implemented before the beginning of the Meiji era. Before that, a single emperor's rule might consist of several eras of a few years each. For more on the "one reign, one era name" rule, click here.
Meiji Era
1868-1912
The Meiji era is probably one of the most significant eras in Japanese history in determining the future of the nation, as is noted in its alternative moniker, the Meiji Restoration.
The word "restoration" refers to the fact that the imperial line was reestablished when the last shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, resigned his post and handed power to the newly crowned Emperor Mutsuhito. Like most 14-year-olds, Mutsuhito was into all of the newest trends, and he represented a new, progressive approach to modernization as opposed to the traditionalists who came before him.
During this period, Japan rapidly modernized and embraced industrial change and democratic ideals. The country opened to foreign trade and employed foreign specialists to aid their modernization process while sending its own scholars abroad to study. Railroads and heavy industry boomed and led to the rise of the zaibatsu (財閥), huge firms whose power rivalled the government as it built and strengthened Japan's economy.
The Meiji era established Japan as a powerful economic force on the global stage and set the stage for its further development.
Taisho
1912-1926
The Taisho era followed the transformative Meiji period and was marked by a mixture of modernization and cultural experimentation in Japan. This period saw a flourishing of democracy, literature, and the arts. Japan experienced a burgeoning middle class and increased political participation, although power remained concentrated within a small elite. Social and cultural changes, including the rise of mass media and urbanization, challenged traditional values.
The Taisho era also witnessed the emergence of new artistic movements like proletarian literature and avant-garde art, reflecting the societal shifts of the time. While World War I was wreaking havoc on Europe, Japan took the opportunity to consolidate its power in East Asia and joined the Allied powers. Towards the end of the era, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 caused extensive damage in Tokyo and catalyzed political unrest and massacres of ethnic minorities. While the Taisho era saw expansion of democracy for some, ideological rifts beginning elsewhere were beginning to make their way into Japan, an unsettling gateway into authoritarian crackdowns which would lead Japan into the pre-war period.
Showa
1926-1989
The Showa era of Japan's history is divided by the nation's involvement in the Second World War, but there is a wealth of cultural history which still abounds today. The emperor Hirohito reigned from 1926 to 1989, making Showa the longest era in modern Japanese history. His rule of Japan represented the first real step into international relations, and his militarization policies would lead to Japan's efforts to spread it's sphere of influence around Asia. After overcoming the 1923 earthquake and a financial crisis in 1927, Japan's aggression towards China and continued rule over Korea eventually led to friction and its entry into the Second World War.
Though he led Japan during WWII, Hirohito was not tried for war crimes like his fellow high-ranking officials. Allied leaders recognized that having a compliant, cooperative emperor would be key to stabilizing Japan in the long term, and Hirohito continued ruling Japan until the late 80s.
As Japan became a key ally for Western powers in Asia, an economic recovery led to a cultural boom which went global. Most aspects Japanese culture which now exist abroad have roots through the Showa era. Anime and manga developed as an art form, and the Japanese film industry blossomed. Japan hosted the 1964 Olympics, becoming the first Asian host of the games. Home technology also boomed, and Japanese electronics gained a reputation for high quality and cutting edge developments. High-speed rail connected the country like never before.
Partially due to this rapid rise in economic prosperity, the Showa era now elicits a feeling of nostalgia. Faded beer posters in smoky izakaya and shopfronts full of cheap dagashi candy create a hazy, warm feeling of time gone by. Showa era culture is experiencing a resurgence in recent years, and there still are many places in Tokyo and across Japan where you can experience this nostalgic time.
Heisei
1989-2019
When compared with Showa, which was characterized by the highs and lows of war and prosperity, Heisei was a much slower, peaceful era, as reflected by the kanji in its name. However, the country still faced many issues internally as the economy stagnated and tragedy struck through natural disasters.
Akihito, the son of Showa emperor Hirohito, served as emperor for 30 years. He made efforts to use his ceremonial role to promote peace and closeness with the Japanese people, visiting all 47 prefectures for official visits.
The 1990s saw a rough beginning to the era with earthquakes, financial crises, and the infamous subway gas attacks by a religious cult. However, a royal wedding in 1993, the 1998 Winter Games, and cohosting the 2002 World Cup with South Korea saw celebrations of cooperation and a hope for positive roles in international cooperation.
The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and ensuing tsunami and nuclear reactor failure was a tragic disaster which caused Japan significant economic and human damage. It was a defining moment for people across the country, and March 11th is now a national day of remembrance to honor the lives and communities lost.
Outside of the major events, the Heisei era is remembered through the lens of digital nostalgia, as home computers and game systems became a craze in Japan alongside the rest of the world. Nintendo, Sony, and Sega boomed were cultural symbols of Japan globally. Manga and anime also became international phenomenon during the Heisei era. J-pop and idol groups also skyrocketed in popularity, and you can still hear Heisei hits blasting from karaoke bars all across Japan.
Although Heisei was significantly shorter than the preceding Showa era, it represented Japan's bold traversal into the digital era and will be remembered through the symbols of this journey for generations.
Reiwa
2019-Present
The Reiwa era began in 2019 when the Heisei emperor Akihito stepped down from the throne. The era began with the social and economic tumult caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has followed global trends in culture and economics. A slight recession has weakened the yen significantly, and with continuing downward population trends, Japan will need to continue to innovate in order to remain a global power in the coming years.
How Reiwa will be defined in the future is a matter for speculation, but it require new perspectives as Japan continues its journey into the digital age.
Sources:
"The Historical Background of How Japan Chooses Its Era Names" by Shin Kawashima https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/a05403/
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