Japanese Era Names, known as gengō, are a system used to mark periods in Japanese history. Each era name corresponds to the reign of an emperor, starting from the year of their ascension. For example, the current era, Reiwa, began in 2019 with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito. These era names are significant in Japanese culture and are used in official documents, calendars, and daily life. The practice dates back to the Asuka period in the 7th century and reflects the values and aspirations of the time. Each era name typically consists of two characters, chosen for their auspicious meanings.