Japan waits nervously to learn new word that will define era of next emperor

Across Japan printers, minters and computer programmers alike are waiting. Since Emperor Akihito announced in December 2017 that he would be abdicating at the end of April this year, one question has stuck on their lips: Which two kanji characters would be chosen to define the new imperial era? In a tradition that dates back to the 7th century, each Japanese emperor's time on the throne is accompanied by a word that helps sets the tone and leaves a mark on history. The name of the current era ap