Japanese Era (Wareki) Converter
Convert between Japanese era years (Meiji to Reiwa) and Gregorian years both ways. Era boundary dates are handled exactly - handy for filling in forms.
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Gregorian year
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Japanese Era (Wareki) Converter
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How to use
- 1
Pick a direction
Choose the "era to Gregorian" or "Gregorian to era" tab.
- 2
Enter the era year or date
Select an era and year, or enter a Gregorian date.
- 3
Read the result
The conversion respects exact era boundary dates and appears instantly.
Features
- Two-way conversion between era years and Gregorian years
- Exact handling of era boundary dates (full-date input)
- Traditional "gannen" (year 1) notation
- Everything computed in your browser; nothing is transmitted
Use cases
Filling official forms
Convert Gregorian dates to the exact era year required on Japanese forms.
Resumes and careers
Restyle career history managed in Gregorian years into era years.
Checking historical dates
Verify which era a year belongs to, including transition years.
Details
Japan has used five era names (gengo) since Meiji: Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei and Reiwa. An era year maps to a Gregorian year as "era start year + era year − 1" — Reiwa 6 is 2019 + 6 − 1 = 2024. The first year of an era is traditionally written "gannen" (year 1) rather than by number.
Eras switch mid-year, which is the classic pitfall: 1989 ran as Showa 64 until January 7 and became Heisei 1 from January 8. Because the year alone is ambiguous in those transition years, the "Gregorian to era" mode takes a full date and resolves it exactly. The Meiji start is given as September 8, 1868, when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar.
The tool covers dates from Meiji 1 (September 8, 1868) onward and converts entirely in your browser. Typical uses: writing era dates on official forms and contracts, checking resume dates, and verifying historical references. Era names are defined by Japanese law; the converter follows their commonly accepted ranges.
FAQ
What Gregorian year is Reiwa 6?
2024 — computed as 2019 + 6 − 1. The rule is "Gregorian year = era start year + era year − 1".
Is 1989 Showa or Heisei?
It was Showa 64 until January 7, and Heisei 1 from January 8. The "Gregorian to era" mode takes a full date, so transition years convert exactly.
Can I convert dates before Meiji (the Edo period)?
The tool covers Meiji 1 (September 8, 1868) and later. Earlier dates involve the old lunar calendar and are out of scope.
Are the dates I enter sent anywhere?
No. All conversion happens locally in your browser and nothing you enter is transmitted.
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All processing happens in your browser. Your files are never uploaded.
Verified: Both directions, era boundary dates, gannen notation and range errors are covered by browser tests
Did you know?
Japan has used five era names since Meiji. Showa lasted 64 years and Heisei 31. In transition years, the era depends on the exact date, not just the year.