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Taika

Japan’s oldest era name is “Taika,” pronounced “taika.” Taika was established in 645. This change of era was linked to a major political reform known as the Taika Reform, through which the first era name in Japanese history was proclaimed. The Taika Reform was part of a series of efforts to establish a ritsuryō state, and since then, era names have long been used as period designations in Japan.

Takeda Castle

Japan’s “Machu Picchu” refers to Takeda Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. Takeda Castle sits atop a mountain at an elevation of 353.7 meters and is known as the “castle in the sky” or a castle floating in a sea of clouds. Because of its appearance above the clouds and the beauty of its ruins, it is sometimes called Japan’s Machu Picchu.

Hirobumi Ito

Hirobumi Ito was Japan’s first Prime Minister and one of the central political figures from the early Meiji government. He assumed office as the inaugural Prime Minister on December 22, 1885, when the cabinet system was established in Meiji 18, and subsequently served as Prime Minister a total of four times.

pheasant

Japan’s national bird is the pheasant. The pheasant is widely cherished as a wild bird in Japan and often appears as a subject in traditional culture. Its beautiful plumage and habits are loved by many people. In Japan, it has long been called the “noble of the mountains,” and is known both as game and as a bird that heralds the arrival of spring.

Tokugawa Yoshinobu

Tokugawa Yoshinobu was the 15th and last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1867, he carried out the Taisei Hokan (the restoration of political power to the emperor), leading to the end of the Edo shogunate. The Taisei Hokan is an important historical event that symbolizes the end of the Edo period’s feudal domain system.

Kagawa Prefecture

Among Japan's prefectures, the one with the smallest area is Kagawa. Kagawa covers approximately 1,877 square kilometers, and within this compact area, the beautiful nature and culture facing the Seto Inland Sea in Shikoku are concentrated. Famous as a center for udon noodles, Kagawa is also a popular tourist destination—a small yet captivating prefecture.

The year 1989 (Showa 64)

The Showa era began in 1926 and ended on January 7, 1989 (Showa 64), with the passing of Emperor Showa. Showa 64 lasted only seven days, and from the following day, January 8, the new era name became Heisei.