The impact of Japan's new Reiwa era

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On May 1, Japan entered its new era Reiwa, which means "beautiful harmony." Emperor Naruhito took over the throne from his father Akihito who abdicated due to his age and failing health after 31 years on the throne.

Since World War II, the emperor has lost political power, but the position remains an important symbol in the country. Although Japan uses the Gregorian calendar, the era appears on coins, official paperwork and even on driver's licenses.

For the first time, the name was not taken from Chinese literature, but from a Japanese poem.

Along with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's desire for stronger defense forces, many have raised concerns that the country would take a more nationalistic turn.

Sourabh Gupta, who is a resident senior fellow at Institute for China-America studies, says that the country has been rethinking its role since the beginning of the Heisei era, and Reiwa is likely a continuation.

Hiroki Takeuchi, who is an associate professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, suggests Japan still faces the need to reform despite a change of era.

Yoshikazu Kato, who is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Hong Kong, introduces several foreign policy challenges for Japan in the new era.

"Japan should be integrated and moving forward with a certain order," said Kato. He indicates that while Reiwa emphasizes Japanese culture and tradition, the world is more globalized. Combining national interest and global issues will remain a key topic in Japan.

Qinduo Xu, a senior fellow at Pangoal Institution, gives a positive outlook on the bilateral relationship between Japan and China. He says Japan's relationship with China is back on track after the 40th anniversary of Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 2018.

As China is Japan's largest trading partner, Japan is closely intertwined with the Belt and Road Initiative. Xu mentioned that the upcoming high-level Chinese leader's visit to Japan can be a chance to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Gupta says, during the past 15 years, the rise of China has created certain anxieties in the region, and Japan has liberated its economy greatly, especially after the bursting of the economic bubble.

On the other hand, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been taking a more nationalist approach in his governance, pushing for a more offensive defense to take care of Japan's own deterrent abilities.

"It has been a certain degree of realism in terms of Japan beginning to get greater defense capabilities," says Gupta.

The more inward looking foreign policy of America is having certain impact on Japan, says Kato. A particular challenge to Japan is leading the Trans-Pacific Partnership after U.S. withdrew from it. Maybe now is a good chance for Japan to implement more proactive actions in economic policies and foreign policy.

This month, Trump will be the first foreign leader to visit Japan in the new era, and Kato believes trade is the first priority in this meeting. If any treaties can be signed, "it's going to be a driving force for the G20 summit," says Kato.

Along with the era's name change, Abe's approval rating has risen by 10 percent, yet Takeuchi doesn't consider it an indicator of rising patriotism. The celebratory atmosphere on Tokyo's streets mainly comes from people's joy for the 10-day holiday.

Takeuchi thinks Japan is still facing a harsh reality.

After the stagnant economy in the past era, "further reform is necessary for revival and further growth of the Japanese economy," says Takeuchi. He says that Abe has done many reforms in terms of agriculture and labor, but it is not sufficient. He believes the current optimistic mood may give some momentum for further reform.

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