I was born in Showa era, and experienced Heisei era and now entering the new era Reiwa starting this April. This is a big deal for all Japanese because we officially present the year in our own Japanese name, like the year  Heisei 31  or the year Show 20. The name for each era represents the period of each Emperor’s time. Traditionally, the era ends when the Emperor passes away. This time it  is an exception. The Heisei Emperor yeiled its title to his son while still living.