Heisei Period

Heisei Period

Heisei (平成?) is the current era in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. In accordance with Japanese customs, Hirohito was posthumously renamed "Emperor Shōwa" on 31 January.

Thus 1989 corresponds to Shōwa 64 up to the seventh day of the first month (7 January) and to Heisei 1 (平成元年, Heisei gannen?, gannen means "first year") since the eighth day of the first month (8 January). To convert a Western era year after 2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Or just subtract 1988. Example for 2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24. Or 2012−1988 = Heisei 24.