Western ↔ Japanese Dates Converter
Free bidirectional tool to convert between Western (Gregorian) years and Japanese imperial era years (Reiwa, Heisei, Showa, Taisho, Meiji). Ideal for Japanese learners, history research, genealogy, official documents, reading Japanese texts, anime/manga dates, and understanding modern Japanese calendar. Works offline — no sign-up, no ads.
Examples
| Input (Western / Japanese) | Output |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Reiwa 7 |
| 2019 | Reiwa 1 / Heisei 31 |
| 1989 | Heisei 1 / Showa 64 |
| 1926 | Showa 1 / Taisho 15 |
| 1912 | Taisho 1 / Meiji 45 |
| Reiwa 7 | 2025 |
| 平成元年 | 1989 |
| 昭和64 | 1989 |
Japanese Era Years – Quick Reference
Japan uses nengō (era names) alongside the Gregorian calendar:
- Reiwa (令和): May 1, 2019 – present (2019 = Reiwa 1)
- Heisei (平成): 1989–2019 (1989 = Heisei 1)
- Showa (昭和): 1926–1989 (1926 = Showa 1)
- Taisho (大正): 1912–1926 (1912 = Taisho 1)
- Meiji (明治): 1868–1912 (1868 = Meiji 1)
Era year = Western year − (start year − 1). Transition years (e.g. 1989) can belong to two eras.
How to Use This Converter
- Type a Western year (e.g. 2025) or Japanese era year (e.g. Reiwa 7, 平成元年, Showa 64)
- Click "Convert"
- Copy the result instantly
- Use for history study, reading Japanese documents, genealogy, anime/manga dates, etc.
Works offline after first visit (pure JavaScript — no external libraries).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Japanese era years work?
Each emperor's reign gets a new era name. Year 1 starts when the emperor ascends (e.g. Reiwa 1 = 2019). Transition years (e.g. 1989 = Showa 64 / Heisei 1) belong to both.
Which eras does this tool support?
Modern/post-Meiji eras: Meiji (1868–1912), Taisho (1912–1926), Showa (1926–1989), Heisei (1989–2019), Reiwa (2019–present).
What if I enter a year before Meiji?
The tool focuses on modern eras (1868+). Older periods use different historical systems not covered here.
Can I use this for official Japanese documents?
Yes — it matches standard conversion. But always double-check for legal/official use.
Is this tool free and offline?
100% free, no ads, no registration. Works offline after loading once.
Why do some years have two eras?
Emperor transitions happen mid-year (e.g. January–April 1989 = Showa 64, May–December = Heisei 1).
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