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Japan in celebratory mood as Reiwa era begins

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On Twitter, one user said, "I became tearful" when Emperor Akihito delivered his last words at his abdication ceremony

Me, too.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Personally speaking, no matter how everyone decides to memorialize or mark the change, I just hope that the peace that was a part of Emperor Akihito's reign continues, and that the economy will eventually improve to the point that we the people finally get a decent raise!

11 ( +12 / -1 )

I hope our dear Emperor and Empress enjoy their retirment.

But yet, another excuse for people to get drunk in Shibuya.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

It is great to see some optimism in Japan, but I fear people think that this change will affect the way politics are done here in Japan, and that will never change. Hopefully Abe, Aso and Suga will work harder not to be selfish, petty, and spoiled and try and put the country and it's people ahead of their partisan ways.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

"We want to shape an era in which more and more people can hold their heads up when they walk," 

What a great comment. Imagine the potential. Welcome to Reiwa folks. A time for renewal and hope.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Happy Reiwa! Hope the celebration goes well.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Just another occasion to get drunk in Shibuya. Seriously, if people look back, the emperor and empress visited and talked to people who were directly impacted by the disasters time after time after time. The Heisei period was marked by disasters and meeting all those people can break the hearts of even the strongest. Time to reflect and think of our fellow humans and find a way forward to peace and happiness for all.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Hopefully Abe, Aso and Suga will work harder not to be selfish, petty, and spoiled and try and put the country and it's people ahead of their partisan ways.

I wouldn't advise anyone holding his or her breath waiting for it to happen. You have a better chance of a female becoming Empress here than the LDP stopping being selfish, petty, and spoiled!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

May peace with Japan, with or without order.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

@Abbey

i was thinking exactly the same thing.

most young people wouldn’t have any interest in the imperial family.

Just another excuse to get drunk & do stupid things in public

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Biggest party of the Century, Until Tokyo 2020 that is! Happy Reiwa era!! People say Japanese are shy and reserved, but spontaneous scenes like this on the streets of Tokyo prove the opposite.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

It’s cold, raining and nowhere to go.

this is a great chance for families to actually spend quality time together. Crap tv, hotels full, cafes full. Good chance to play a game of cards, hide and seek or increase the population.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Lets' 令和!C'mon! Won't you?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Congratulations on the new era Reiwa! In order for more young people to raise their heads up, they will surely have to take their eyes off of their phones.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Spontaneous celebration? This would have been planned months in advance.

Itll all be forgotten tomorrow anyway

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Not much for the Gengo system -- I think it's outdated and unnecessary, especially in a land where they refuse to consider daylight saving's time because it would "confuse the public" -- but I hope this new era ushers in greater peace and happiness in everyone's lives. And I wish the former Emperor a happy retirement. Otsukaresama!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It's good young Japanese people are celebrating like 70s & 80s. (Picture looks retro as well)

But also have some pleasure like your old folks, man to woman, even with stranger girl at bar that one night stand. But Not man to man and woman to woman.

Time to control population for better things ahead. Peace Japan!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I wonder if I am the only one feeling this way... Currently chilling back at our home looking up at the sky. Everything feels the same. But at the same time it all also feels oddly different being in a new era?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

That photo: Yay, happy naive 20-30 somethings. Those in the photo don't know how worse Japan is now compared to before they were born, and have gotten accustomed to things getting worse.. Why not have a photo of a multi-generational family at home watching the former Emperor's speech on TV? People have parents, grandparents, and children, ya know?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Rainwa is more like it.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Best wishes for Japan.

Best wishes for our new Emperor.

Best wishes for our new Empress.

Best wishes for everyone living in this country.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Congratulations, Dear People of Japan! Blessings!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

especially in a land where they refuse to consider daylight saving's time because it would "confuse the public"

And this connects with Reiwa how? It's not like the Emperor has any say over whether or not daylight savings is needed or not! A more pressing problem, daylight savings is truly minor in comparison, is getting eastern and western Japan on the same electrical grid.

Neither of which matter with the new Emperor!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Thank you, Heisei.

Welcome, Reiwa.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I wonder how many people have woken up with a sore head this morning??

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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