is the current era name in Japan. The Heisei era started on January 8, 1989, just one day after the death of the reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. In accordance with Japanese customs, Hirohito was renamed "Emperor Shōwa" on January 31, as were posthumoused Mutsuhito as Emperor Meiji and Yoshihito as Emperor Taishō. Thus 1989 corresponds to Shōwa 64 up to the 7th day of the first month (January 7) and to since the 8th day of the first mont… (More on Heisei)