To understand Japan’s history is to witness how the past and present coexist in everyday life. As you travel through the country, it’s not uncommon to enjoy lunch in a 300-year-old merchant house, then browse through a glowing LED-lit arcade just around the corner. This striking blend exists because the country takes great care in preserving its cultural heritage, allowing the history of Japan to remain tangible and alive. Ancient shrines once visited by emperors now rise beside neon signs and high-speed bullet trains, shaping a landscape where tradition and innovation are beautifully intertwined.

To truly appreciate this harmony of old and new, it helps to understand how Japan organizes its history. Japanese historical periodization is unique in its method and meaning. Unlike many Western models that primarily rely on centuries or dynastic successions, Japan names its periods after imperial reigns (nengo) or major political transitions. What makes it especially interesting is how it ties political structure to cultural expression—an era isn’t defined solely by who held power, but also by what people did, wore, and believed in. It’s a model that values both governance and imagination.

So, how did Japan’s past shape what you see today? Let’s walk through the key historical periods that built the temples, cities, and culture travelers fall in love with.

Main Period	Era	Dates	Key Characteristics
Prehistoric and Ancient Japan	Jomon Period	ca. 14,000–ca. 300 BCE	Hunter-gatherer society, early spiritual beliefs
	Yayoi Period	300 BCE–250 CE	Wet-rice agriculture, contact with Korea and China
	Kofun Period	ca. 300–710	Elite clans, proto-state formation
	Asuka Period	538 – 710	Buddhism introduced, first imperial laws
Classical Japan	Nara Period	710 – 794	First permanent capital, flourishing of literature
	Heian Period	794 – 1185	Court culture, Fujiwara dominance
Feudal Japan	Kamakura Period	1185 – 1333	First shogunate, rise of samurai
	Nanboku-cho Period	1336 – 1392	Consistent conflicts between Northern and Southern imperial courts
	Muromachi Period	1392 – 1573	Ashikaga shogunate rule, civil wars
	Azuchi–Momoyama Period	1573 – 1600	National unification, cultural refinement under Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa
Early Modern Japan	Edo Period (Tokugawa)	1603 – 1868	Peaceful isolation (sakoku), strict class system, merchant cities
Modern Japan	Meiji Period	1868 – 1912	Meiji Restoration, Westernization, overall modernization
	Taisho Period	1912 – 1926	Political liberalism, modern fashion, labor movements, democratic ideals
Contemporary Japan	Showa Period	1926 – 1989	Militarism, WWII, rise of consumer culture
	Heisei Period	1989 – 2019	Economic stagnation, tech innovation, global pop culture
	Reiwa Period	2019 – Present	Digital age, demographic challenges, post-pandemic recovery

Eras

Jomon Period (ca. 14,000–ca. 300 BCE)

The Jomon period marks Japan’s earliest known culture, long before emperors or written records. People lived in small tribal groups, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering. They developed some of the world’s oldest pottery, often decorated with rope-like patterns called jomon. Spiritual life revolved around nature, with early signs of animism and fertility rituals, reflected in clay figurines called dogu. Interestingly, people began crafting more female and phallic-shaped figures and even buried their dead in shell mounds—clear signs that spiritual and ritual practices were becoming important.

Key events and milestones:

• Creation of earliest pottery, around 14,000 BCE
• Ritual use of lacquer and jewelry found in burial sites, around 3,000 BCE
• Dogu figurines appear, around 1,000 BCE

Yayoi Period (300 BCE–250 CE)

The Yayoi period introduced wet-rice farming, metal tools, and weaving, changing the lifestyle of the people and driving migration. Yayoi then became one of the major periods that gave birth to the Japanese archipelago. Power shifted to uji (clan leaders) who controlled land and resources. Social classes began forming. Influences from southeastern China and Korea brought dotaku (bronze bells), iron weapons, and new agricultural techniques. The period is named after the Yayoi district in Tokyo, where its distinctive pottery style was first discovered in the 19th century.

Key events and milestones:

• Wet-rice agriculture introduced from the Korean Peninsula, around 300 BCE
• Golden seal granted to the King of Na (Japan) by the Han Emperor around 57 CE, a record of diplomatic contact with China
• Japan appointed official envoys to China, around 107 CE

Kofun Period (ca. 300–710)

The Kofun period was a turning point in Japan’s early history, best known for its massive kofun tomb mounds and the rise of the Yamato clan. These tombs weren’t just burial sites, though, they were status symbols, filled with wooden coffins, bronze mirrors, weapons, and haniwa clay figures used in rituals. By the 6th century, tombs featured painted interiors, showing an evolution in funerary art. The era also introduced Sueki pottery, a sleek, high-fired ceramic influenced by Korean techniques, marking Japan’s shift to more advanced ceramic production.

During the Kofun period, trade and immigration between the Japanese archipelago and the East Asian mainland grew steadily. Alongside goods and technologies, cultural and spiritual ideas, such as Chinese ritual practices, also made their way into Japan. One topic that continues to spark debates among historians is how much influence Daoist beliefs may have had on the religious customs of the time.

Key events and milestones:

• The Yamato court allegedly began exerting control over other regions by the late 5th century
• Construction of giant kofun tombs began around the 5th century; many of these can still be seen today in places such as Sakai (Osaka), Nara, Okayama, and northern Kyushu.
• The Chinese writing system began to spread among the elite class during the 5th century

Asuka Period (538–710)

During the Asuka period, the Yamato court strategically embraced Buddhism to reinforce its political authority. The period is named after the Asuka region in present-day Nara Prefecture, where the imperial court was located and where many of the earliest Buddhist temples and political reforms originated. While ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki describe how Buddhism arrived and gained acceptance in Japan during this time, it’s the physical remains like temples, statues, and everyday artifacts that truly bring this history to life.

In addition to Buddhism, several influential ideas and customs from China and Korea, such as the Chinese writing system, the documentation of historical events, the use of currency, and standardized systems for weights and measures, were introduced.

Miso, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, is also believed to have been introduced to Japan from China during this period. The fermented soybean paste, known in China as “jiang,” was adapted by the Japanese into what we now recognize as miso.

Key events and milestones:

• Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan from the Korean kingdom of Baekje in 538 CE
• Prince Shotoku was appointed regent under Empress Suiko in 593 CE and promoted Buddhism and centralized governance.
• Horyu-ji Temple was completed in 607 CE in present-day Nara Prefecture; it remains one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nara Period (710–794)

The Nara period marked the first time Japan established a permanent capital at Heijo-kyo (present-day Nara), reflecting a more centralized and bureaucratic government modeled after China’s Tang dynasty. This era was defined by state-sponsored Buddhism, codified law (Ritsuryo system), and the flourishing of classical literature and historical records. Notable literary achievements include the compilation of Kojiki (712) and Nihon Shoki (720), Japan’s earliest written chronicles, as well as Man'yoshu, the oldest surviving poetry anthology. The state also undertook grand temple-building projects, most famously the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Todai-ji, dedicated in 752.

By the late 8th century, the capital was moved again, first to Nagaoka-kyo in 784, and then to Heian-kyo (Kyoto) in 794—partly to escape the growing political power of Buddhist monasteries. Their expanding wealth and influence, combined with burdensome taxation and regional unrest, gradually weakened centralized control.

Key events and milestones:

• The capital was officially moved to Heijo-kyo in 710, establishing Japan’s first planned city and administrative center.
• The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) was completed in 712, preserving Japan’s mythic and imperial origins.
• Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) was completed in 720, the country’s first official historical text, written in classical Chinese.

Heian Period (794–1185)

The Heian period began in 794, when Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial capital to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto). Modeled after Chinese cities with a formal grid layout, Kyoto would remain Japan’s cultural and symbolic capital until the 19th century. The period takes its name from Heian-kyo, which means “Capital of Peace and Tranquility,” reflecting the emperor's hope for a stable and harmonious reign. The Fujiwara clan rose to prominence by marrying into the imperial family and ruling through their descendants. They not only controlled politics but also shaped a sophisticated court culture that prized art, poetry, and ritual. This elegant world is vividly captured in The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, a court lady of Fujiwara descent.

As Japan turned inward and ended official relations with China, it began cultivating a unique cultural identity. Innovations like kana script, waka poetry, monogatari tales, and yamato-e painting reflected a growing pride in native aesthetics and literature. The earliest form of the kimono also emerged during this period, when garments were crafted by stitching together straight-cut fabric pieces. This construction method allowed for a versatile design that suited various body types, making it both practical and highly adaptable.

Key events and milestones:

• The capital was officially moved to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto) in 794
• The Fujiwara clan gained full political control in 858　
• The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu around 1008, became the world’s first known psychological novel and a masterpiece of Heian literature.

Kamakura Period (1185–1333)

The Kamakura period marked the beginning of military rule in Japan, with real power shifting from the imperial court to the shogunate, a government led by shoguns (military generals). After defeating the Taira clan in 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of Japan, established a new base of power in Kamakura, away from Kyoto’s aristocracy. In 1192, he was appointed Sei-i Taishogun (Barbarian-Subduing Generalissimo), formalizing the Kamakura Shogunate—Japan’s first warrior government. While the emperor remained a symbolic figure in Kyoto, political authority resided with the samurai class.

Under the Kamakura shogunate, samurai culture flourished. Loyalty, discipline, and martial skill were held in high esteem. At the same time, new forms of Buddhism emerged that appealed to everyday people, such as Pure Land Buddhism (Amidism), focused on salvation through faith, and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing meditation and self-discipline, popular among samurai.

Zen also shaped the aesthetics of the period, giving rise to the early development of wabi-sabi, a philosophy and artistic sensibility that finds beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and impermanence. This understated, humble style began to influence architecture, garden design, and eventually the tea ceremony, aligning with the samurai’s values of restraint and inner clarity.

Key events and milestones:

• The Genpei War, a nationwide civil conflict between the Minamoto (Genji) and Taira (Heike) clans, ended with the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185
• The Kamakura shogunate was officially established in 1192, when Minamoto no Yoritomo was appointed as the first shogun
• Zen Buddhism gained popularity during the 13th century

Nanboku-cho Period (1336–1392)

The Nanboku-cho period was a time of dynastic division and civil war, overlapping with the early years of the Muromachi Period and the few remaining years of the Kamakura Period. Following Emperor Go-Daigo’s failed attempt to restore imperial authority, Ashikaga Takauji installed a rival emperor in Kyoto, creating the Northern Court, while Go-Daigo fled south and established the Southern Court in Yoshino. For over five decades, the two courts waged political and military battles over legitimacy and succession until the two courts unified in 1392. The period is named Nanboku-cho, meaning “Southern and Northern Courts”, to reflect this dual system of competing imperial lines.

Key events and milestones:

• Dual courts were established; Takauji set up the Northern Court, while Go-Daigo formed the Southern Court in 1336.
• Ashikaga Takauji was appointed shogun, officially beginning the Ashikaga (Muromachi) shogunate in 1338.
• The Southern Court surrendered, and the imperial line was reunified under Emperor Go-Komatsu in 1392.

Muromachi Period (1392–1573)

The Muromachi period, named after the Kyoto district where the Ashikaga shogunate set up its headquarters, spanned nearly two centuries. Although the Ashikaga family held the title of shogun, they lacked the centralized control enjoyed by the earlier Kamakura shogunate. Regional warlords known as daimyo retained significant autonomy and influence, shaping political and cultural developments across the provinces. As their power grew, so did internal rivalries, eventually culminating in the Onin War.

Despite ongoing conflict, the Muromachi Period was a time of economic growth and cultural innovation. Trade with China revived and Zen Buddhism flourished further, which deeply influenced governance, education, and the arts. In Kyoto, Ashikaga shoguns supported refined cultural practices like the chanoyu tea ceremony, which combined aesthetics of garden design, calligraphy, and food presentation. They also promoted renga poetry and Noh theater, laying the foundation for classical Japanese art traditions.

Toward the end of the Muromachi period, new cultural and religious influences in the form of Jesuit missionaries arrived from Europe. The Jesuits also established schools, introducing Western learning and creating new educational networks. Though Christianity would later face suppression under the Tokugawa shogunate, the entry of the West marked the beginning of sustained cross-cultural exchange and left a lasting impact on Japanese religious history.

Key events and milestones:

• Kango trade missions to Ming China began, restoring diplomatic ties and boosting the economy in 1401.
• The Onin War erupted in Kyoto, devastating the capital and weakening shogunate control in 1467.
• Jesuit missionaries, including Francis Xavier, introduced Christianity to Japan in 1549.

Note: Historians sometimes differ on the exact start of the Muromachi Period—some trace it to 1336, when the Ashikaga shogunate was first established, while others begin it in 1392, when Japan’s imperial courts were reunified. This guide uses the widely accepted range of 1392–1573.

Azuchi–Momoyama Period (1573–1600)

The Azuchi Momoyama period was marked by intense military conflict and political consolidation following the decline of the Ashikaga shogunate. Feudal warlords vied for control until national unification was achieved through the efforts of three central figures: (1) Oda Nobunaga, who seized Kyoto and ended Ashikaga rule; (2) Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who advanced the unification process; and (3) Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ultimately secured peace and founded the Tokugawa Shogunate. The period is named after Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, built by Hideyoshi near Kyoto.

Culturally, the era produced a striking contrast between opulence and rusticity. Lavish gold-leaf decorations, grand castles, and dynamic painting styles reflected the daimyos' wealth and power, while the tea ceremony promoted simplicity and imperfection, embodying a more restrained aesthetic. International exchange also intensified, especially in China and Korea.

Key events and milestones:

• Azuchi Castle was constructed by Oda Nobunaga in Shiga Prefecture as a symbol of centralized power and military strength in 1579
• Battle of Nagashino took place in 1575
• Battle of Sekigahara took place in 1600 and marked Tokugawa Ieyasu’s decisive victory

Note: The dates of the Azuchi–Momoyama Period can vary slightly depending on interpretation. Some sources start it in 1568, when Oda Nobunaga entered Kyoto, while others begin in 1573, following the fall of the Ashikaga shogunate. The end is commonly marked at 1600 with the Battle of Sekigahara, or 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu officially became shogun. For clarity, this guide uses the general range of 1573–1600.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

The Edo period was a time of relative peace and cultural blossoming in Japan under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. Centered in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), this era saw the country largely closed off to the outside world, which encouraged the development of a unique and richly layered Japanese culture. A rigid social order was established, with samurai at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants. Despite these divisions, towns and cities grew rapidly, becoming centers of trade, administration, and the arts.

Urban culture flourished during this time, giving rise to new forms of entertainment and artistic expression. Among the cultural figures that emerged during this time were geisha, professional entertainers skilled in music, dance, and the refined arts. Theaters showcased kabuki and bunraku (puppet theater), while writers like Ihara Saikaku and Matsuo Basho created lasting literary works, including humorous fiction and refined haiku poetry. The ukiyo (floating world) of pleasure districts inspired a new art form—ukiyo-e woodblock prints, depicting courtesans, actors, and everyday life. This period also saw the spread of Neo-Confucianism, influencing education and moral thought. Although Japan remained isolated, the Edo period was anything but stagnant, its rich cultural legacy continues to shape Japanese identity today.

In the mid-Edo period, nihachi soba (80% buckwheat, 20% wheat flour) was also invented to solve the breakability of juwari soba (100% buckwheat). Initially steamed in seiro (bamboo trays), this method remains part of soba presentation today. Before soy sauce was widely available, soba was eaten with taremiso (a miso-based dipping sauce). Modern-style dipping sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and katsuo dashi only emerged in the late Edo period.

Key events and milestones:

• Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed shogun by the emperor, officially founding the Tokugawa shogunate and beginning the Edo Period in 1603.
• Christianity was officially banned and foreign missionaries were expelled starting in 1614.
• The 47 Ronin Incident occurred in 1701–1703, when a group of masterless samurai avenged their lord's forced suicide, becoming a symbol of bushido.
• The Tokugawa shogunate sent its first official delegation to Washington, D.C. in 1860, symbolizing Japan’s early diplomatic engagement with the West.

Note: Some sources end the Edo Period in 1867 with the last shogun’s resignation, while others use 1868, the start of the Meiji Restoration. This guide uses 1868 for consistency.

Meiji Period (1868–1912)

The Meiji period was a transformative era in Japan, marked by rapid modernization and Westernization following the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. The period took its name from Emperor Meiji, whose reign title (Meiji, meaning “Enlightened Rule” or “Enlightened Government”) reflected the nation’s aspiration for progress and renewal. The Meiji Restoration reinstated imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, leading to significant political, economic, and social reforms. Feudal domains were replaced with prefectures, a constitution was promulgated in 1889 establishing a parliamentary system, and universal education was introduced. Japan actively adopted Western technologies and institutions, aiming to strengthen the nation and renegotiate unequal treaties with Western powers.

Culturally, the Meiji period saw a deliberate shift towards Western lifestyles, including changes in clothing, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional dietary restrictions were relaxed, leading to increased consumption of meat and the introduction of Western food. This period witnessed the emergence of yoshoku, Western-influenced Japanese dishes, such as katsu (breaded cutlets), curry rice, and omurice (omelet rice). Kissaten (Western-style cafes) also started opening in several places in Japan and became popular hangouts, serving coffee and Western-inspired food. These culinary adaptations reflected Japan's broader efforts to modernize while blending foreign influences with traditional tastes.

In 1872, the first modern railway opened between Shimbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama, covering 29 kilometers. This was a groundbreaking achievement that symbolized Japan's industrial awakening. Railway expansion rapidly continued, facilitating trade, troop movement, and internal migration.

Key events and milestones:

• The capital was officially moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo (Eastern Capital), in 1868.
• The Imperial Diet (Japan’s first modern parliament), consisting of the House of Representatives and House of Peers, was established in 1889.
• The first modern railway in Japan opened between Tokyo and Yokohama in 1872
• The First Sino-Japanese War began in 1894 and ended in 1895

Taisho Period (1912-1926)

The Taisho period, named after the reign title (Taisho, meaning “Great Righteousness”) of Emperor Yoshihito, signaled a shift towards political liberalization and modernization in Japan. During this time, democratic ideals gained traction: voting rights expanded significantly with the reduction and eventual elimination of tax-based voting qualifications in 1925. Political parties flourished, and labor reforms were introduced, reflecting the growing voice of the urban middle class. This liberal trend in domestic politics paralleled Japan’s continued assertiveness in foreign affairs. The country strengthened its foothold in East Asia by demanding economic and political concessions from China and signing treaties with Western powers that validated its interests in Korea, Manchuria, and broader Chinese territory.

Despite these advancements, the benefits of modernization were unevenly distributed. Urban centers experienced political and social progress, while rural areas remained underdeveloped and were hit hard by economic downturns, particularly the depression at the end of the Taisho period. This economic instability foreshadowed the more authoritarian and militaristic trends of the subsequent Showa era.

Modern lifestyles also began to flourish. The rise of radio, print magazines, and cinema introduced new cultural influences that shaped fashion trends—decorative collars and innovative patterns on affordable meisen silk kimonos became especially popular. A fusion of Western and Eastern styles emerged, and by the late 1920s, women’s fashion worldwide reflected similar preferences for sleek, vertical silhouettes in dresses, robes, and gowns. Still, most adult Japanese women continued to wear traditional attire, though many began adopting modern hairstyles and dressing their children in Western-style clothing like trousers, skirts, and blouses. Japanese men, on the other hand, increasingly embraced Western fashion, regularly appearing in suits, overcoats, and flat caps.

Key events and milestones:

• Japan entered World War I on the side of the Allies in 1914
• The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo and Yokohama with over 100,000 killed in 1923
• Akutagawa Ryunosuke, the “Father of the Japanese Short Story,” rose to literary prominence with works like Rashomon and In a Grove in the 1920s.

Showa Period (1926-1989)

The Showa period under the reign of Emperor Hirohito, was one of the most turbulent and transformative eras in modern Japanese history. Its early decades were marked by rising militarism, expansion into Asia, and catastrophic involvement in World War II, culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s surrender in 1945. Following the war, Japan was occupied by Allied forces and underwent sweeping reforms, including the adoption of the 1947 Constitution, which established a pacifist democracy and reduced the emperor to a symbolic role.

The postwar years saw an extraordinary economic recovery, often dubbed the “Japanese economic miracle,” as Japan became a global industrial powerhouse by the 1960s. Reconstruction was not only political and economic, but also literal, in the urban and architectural transformation of Japan. With vast areas of cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima reduced to rubble, a nationwide effort to rebuild offered a blank slate for modernization.

Culturally, during wartime, strict regulations pushed aside flamboyant attire in favor of simple, practical clothing. However, following the 1950s, fashion in Japan evolved swiftly in step with the country’s rapid economic growth. The kimono gradually became attire for formal occasions, while Western-style clothing became part of daily life. With the introduction of the new constitution in 1947, younger generations found the freedom to explore emerging pop culture, entertainment, and global fashion trends. While styles of the Showa era retained a distinctly Japanese flair, they increasingly reflected American and European influences—from the sleek looks of the Swinging Sixties and dolly girl aesthetics to the relaxed, bohemian spirit of long-haired hippies.

Key events and milestones:

• Japan's entry into World War II through the Pearl Harbor Attack in 1941
• Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945
• Tokyo Tower was built in 1958
• Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, symbolizing Japan's post-war recovery, in 1964.
• My Shop Toyonaka, the very first konbini (convenience store), opened in Osaka in 1969
• The first 7-Eleven outlet opened in Tokyo in 1974
• Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983
• Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, founded Studio Ghibli in 1985

Heisei Period (1989 – 2019)

The Heisei era, meaning “achieving peace,” marked a turbulent yet transformative period in modern Japan. Beginning with high hopes as Japan stood at the peak of its economic power, the era quickly turned after the bursting of the asset bubble in the early 1990s. This ushered in a prolonged economic stagnation known as the “Lost Decade,” accompanied by a shrinking population and a loss of global influence. The country also faced a series of devastating natural disasters, from 1995 to 2011, which tested the limits of government response and the resilience of its people. Despite this decline, the Heisei period revealed the strength and adaptability of Japanese society. Citizens responded to hardships with quiet perseverance, embracing mottainai (frugality), volunteering in disaster zones, and resisting outdated societal norms—particularly around marriage and gender roles. Political reforms struggled to take hold, but civic action, especially by women and youth, became a new force for change.

At the same time, Japan started to become a global cultural powerhouse. As traditional industries struggled after the 1990 economic bubble burst, Japan’s pop culture—especially anime, manga, J-pop, and video games—gained immense international recognition, helping restore national pride and global relevance. Directors like Hayao Miyazaki and franchises like Pokémon, Evangelion, and Final Fantasy symbolized this cultural export boom. The “Cool Japan” phenomenon was rooted in a long tradition of “making tales” rather than just “making things,” with deep cultural roots in Edo-period arts like Kabuki and Ukiyo-e. Figures like Takashi Murakami blurred lines between pop and fine art, while the global spread of otaku culture and fan conventions showcased Japan’s unique aesthetic of Iki, a mix of flair, emotion, and resistance. The legacy of this era cemented Japan’s “soft power,” drawing admiration not through economic dominance but through irresistible cultural appeal.

Fashion, music, and art also started blending together, and young people could follow trends or make their own. Japanese teens, growing up in a traditional society but influenced by the West, created wild and colorful style tribes that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Harajuku became the heart of it all—where you’d see Lolita dresses, visual kei makeup, host club hair, kawaii accessories, and over-the-top decora looks all on the same street. From genderless fashion to cosplay, Heisei-era Japan didn’t just follow trends—it set them.

Key events and milestones:

• Emperor Showa (Hirohito) died, ending the Showa era, in 1989
• Japan hosted the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998
• The Great East Japan Earthquake (magnitude 9.0) triggered a massive tsunami, causing nearly 20,000 deaths and leading to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, in 2011
• Universal Studios Japan opened in 2001
• Tokyo Skytree was completed in 2012

Reiwa Period (2019 – Present)

Reiwa, Japan’s current era, began on May 1, 2019, marking a historic shift as the first era name derived from Japanese classical literature—the Man’yoshu—rather than Chinese texts. Placed in its literary context, Reiwa can be interpreted as meaning “fortunate” or “auspicious” (rei) and “peace” or “harmony” (wa), capturing a hopeful vision for Japan’s future under the new imperial era. The optimism that drives the name was quickly tempered by global and domestic challenges. In 2020, COVID-19 hit Japan, which led to a national state of emergency, school closures, and economic strain. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a major point of national pride, were postponed and eventually held in 2021 without spectators, a surreal symbol of the pandemic era. Politically, the period has seen several leadership changes, including the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2020 and his shocking assassination in 2022, followed by the appointments of Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida as successors.

Culturally and socially, Reiwa Japan continues to grapple with long-term issues such as a declining birthrate, aging population, and rural depopulation, while also advancing in digital innovation, green energy, and global diplomacy. Japanese society during Reiwa has shown remarkable resilience, from mourning victims of the Kyoto Animation arson attack in 2019 to recovering from the Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024. Meanwhile, lifestyle and customs are evolving: remote work has become more accepted, younger generations are reshaping traditions around marriage and gender roles, and Japanese pop culture—including anime, gaming, and fashion—continues to thrive globally. As the era unfolds, Reiwa reflects a nation striving to balance its deep traditions with the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Key events and milestones:

• First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Japan in January 2020; borders reopened in 2022
• Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in Nara in 2022
• Ghibli Park officially opened in Aichi Prefecture in 2022
• Nintendo Museum opened in Uji, Kyoto in 2024

Japan’s classic and modern history are a constant balance of tradition with change. Through moments of hardship and recovery, from rebuilding shattered cities to reimagining daily life, the country has continually found ways to move forward while honoring where it came from. Its streets, stories, food, and festivals all reflect a people shaped not just by historical events, but by the everyday act of adapting with passion and care.

Now, in the Reiwa era, the country isn’t rushing to define itself with big statements. It is adapting, facing real issues like an aging population, regional decline, and global uncertainty, while still creating, exporting culture, and holding onto what matters. Japan continues to move forward, and there’s still so much to see.