Japanese Era Converter
2026 is Reiwa 8th Year / 令和8年
* At the transition of eras, only the new era's first year (Gannen) is displayed. (e.g., 1989 -> Heisei 1st Year)
* At the transition of eras, only the new era's first year (Gannen) is displayed. (e.g., 1989 -> Heisei 1st Year)
Supported Japanese Era List
How to Calculate Japanese Gengou Years Manually
The Japanese calendar (and Gengou eras) is calculated by subtracting a base offset year (the year prior to Year 1 of that era) from the Western Gregorian calendar year. Here are the conversion formulas and manual examples for the most common modern eras:
1. Reiwa Era (令和)
The Reiwa era began in 2019. The base offset year is 2018.
- Formula:
Reiwa Year = Western Year - 2018 - Example: For the year 2026:
2026 - 2018 = 8→ Reiwa 8th Year
2. Heisei Era (平成)
The Heisei era began in 1989. The base offset year is 1988.
- Formula:
Heisei Year = Western Year - 1988 - Example: For the year 2000:
2000 - 1988 = 12→ Heisei 12th Year
3. Showa Era (昭和)
The Showa era began in 1926. The base offset year is 1925.
- Formula:
Showa Year = Western Year - 1925 - Example: For the year 1980:
1980 - 1925 = 55→ Showa 55th Year
4. Taisho Era (大正)
The Taisho era began in 1912. The base offset year is 1911.
- Formula:
Taisho Year = Western Year - 1911 - Example: For the year 1920:
1920 - 1911 = 9→ Taisho 9th Year
5. Meiji Era (明治)
The Meiji era began in 1868. The base offset year is 1867.
- Formula:
Meiji Year = Western Year - 1867 - Example: For the year 1880:
1880 - 1867 = 13→ Meiji 13th Year