The Heisei Period in Japan lasted from January 8, 1989, to April 30, 2019. It began with the ascension of Emperor Akihito to the throne following the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito. This era is marked by significant economic changes, including the burst of the asset price bubble in the early 1990s, leading to a prolonged economic stagnation known as the "Lost Decade." During the Heisei Period, Japan experienced various social and cultural shifts, including advancements in technology and an increase in international influence. Major events included the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which prompted discussions on disaster preparedness and recovery. The period concluded with the abdication of Emperor Akihito, marking the first abdication in over two centuries.