Japanese Calendar Converter
Convert between Gregorian Western years and traditional Japanese Imperial Eras (Wareki / 和暦 — Reiwa, Heisei, Shōwa, Taishō, Meiji).
Japanese Modern Eras Reference Chart (近代の元号)
In Japan, official government documents, driver's licenses, tax certificates, and administrative forms frequently use the Japanese Imperial Era year (Wareki / 和暦). Below is a quick conversion guide for modern eras.
| Era Name (Kanji) | Rōmaji | Gregorian Period | Quick Conversion Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| 令和 (Reiwa) | Reiwa | May 1, 2019 – Present | Year - 2018 = Reiwa Year (e.g. 2026 - 2018 = Reiwa 8) |
| 平成 (Heisei) | Heisei | Jan 8, 1989 – Apr 30, 2019 | Year - 1988 = Heisei Year (e.g. 2000 - 1988 = Heisei 12) |
| 昭和 (Shōwa) | Showa | Dec 25, 1926 – Jan 7, 1989 | Year - 1925 = Showa Year (e.g. 1980 - 1925 = Showa 55) |
| 大正 (Taishō) | Taisho | Jul 30, 1912 – Dec 25, 1926 | Year - 1911 = Taisho Year (e.g. 1920 - 1911 = Taisho 9) |
| 明治 (Meiji) | Meiji | Oct 23, 1868 – Jul 30, 1912 | Year - 1867 = Meiji Year (e.g. 1900 - 1867 = Meiji 33) |
How Does the Japanese Calendar Work?
The Japanese calendar system (和暦 Wareki) designates years based on the reign of the ruling Emperor of Japan. When a new Emperor ascends the throne, a new era name (元号 Gengō) is announced, and the year count resets to Year 1 (known as Gannen / 元年).
Although Japan officially adopted the Western Gregorian calendar (西暦 Seireki) in 1873, the Wareki era system remains widely used across government agencies, financial institutions, insurance policies, and everyday official paperwork.
What is Gannen (元年)?
The first year of any Japanese Era is called Gannen (元年) rather than "Year 1" (1年). For example, 2019 is both Reiwa 1 and written officially as Reiwa Gannen (令和元年).
Why Wareki Matters for Expats & Learners
If you live, study, or work in Japan, official forms like resident cards (Zairyū Card), city hall registration, bank accounts, and employment contracts ask for birth dates and dates in Wareki format.
Frequently Asked Questions
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