The Japanese government announced on Monday the next imperial era will be known as the "Reiwa" era, set to begin on May 1. The name for the new era is made up of the two characters Rei and Wa meaning "order" or "command", and "peace" or "harmony." /VCG Photo

Calligrapher Shogo Hirai draws the new era name for calendars on Monday in Tokyo. /VCG Photo

Japan's new era name "Reiwa" was written on a wooden signboard at Ninnaji temple in Kyoto following the announcement earlier in the day. /VCG Photo

Women show smartphone screens showing the name of Japan's new era, "Reiwa," in Osaka, western Japan on Monday. /VCG Photo

Sea lion "Leo" wrote the characters for the new era name "Reiwa" during a performance for assembled journalists and park visitors at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo on Monday. /VCG Photo