Reiwa (Japanese: 令和[1] Hepburn: Reiwa, pronounced [ɾeː.ɰa] (listen)) is the era of Japan that began on 1 May 2019, the day on which Emperor Akihito's elder son, Naruhito, ascended the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan. Emperor Akihito abdicated the Chrysanthemum Throne on 30 April 2019, marking the end of the Heisei era. The year 2019 corresponds to Heisei 31 until 30 April, and Reiwa 1 (令和元年 Reiwa gannen, 'the first year of Reiwa') from 1 May 2019.[2] Reiwa is interpreted as beautiful harmony.[3]