Economic Bubble

This week, Japan has been in the midst of a 10-day celebration culminating with the historic abdication of Emperor Akihito on April 30, marking the end of the Heisei era, and the beginning of the Reiwa era of Emperor Naruhito on May 1. The abdication is the f…

Andy Cabic was exploring the stacks in a Tower Records in Japan when he had an epiphany. The musician, who fronts the folk-rock band Vetiver, was on tour with Devendra Banhart in the mid-2000s when he walked into the store and found displays highlighting Japa…

By Alistair Wong . May 1, 2019 . 5:00pm The Heisei era encapsulated a tumultuous time in Japan, both in real life and in the world of entertainment. In real life, Japan experienced a golden economic bubble that burst and led to a downturn that lasted nearly …

On Wednesday, in Japans Imperial Palace, court chamberlains presented Crown Prince Naruhito an ancient sword and jewel. In accepting them, he was formally recognized as Japans new emperor, only the fifth in the past 150 years. Along with an equally ancient mi…

As we begin the Reiwa era from today, May 1st, it is an ideal time to look back over the past three decades of life in Japan that comprised the Heisei period. Beauty brand Shiseido here presents all the fashion styles from Heisei (1989 to 2019) in one minute…

In commemoration of the end of the Heisei era, a woman has modeled the various fashion trends from the 30-year era. A woman working for cosmetics company Shiseido has modeled the various looks from the Heisei era, which has now come to an end. For the purpos…

Naruhito will inherit a different nation from that at the start of his father's reign TOKYO - Japan will mark the end of an era with Tuesday's abdication of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito, the first emperor to abdicate in 200 years. Crown Prince Naruhito wil…

From Heisei to Reiwa: how Japan changed under Emperor Akihito

Japan’s Emperor Akihito smiles during the spring garden party hosted by the emperor in Tokyo on April 25, 2018. Emperor Akihito has marked his 85th birthday and has said he feels relieved that his reign is coming to an end without having seen his country at w…

TOKYO: Japan marks the end of an era with Tuesday's (Apr 30) abdication of Emperor Akihito, and the outgoing monarch leaves behind a much-changed country. Crown Prince Naruhito will inherit a Japan vastly different from that of the start of his father's reig…