Whilst Japan follows the standard system of year, month, and day, the traditional practice of marking years in connection with current and past emperors is also used. This means that unless you are getting on in years (or alternatively are very young), your date of birth will fall somewhere in the Showa Era (1926-1989). The long reign of Japan’s controversial wartime head of state, Emperor Hirohito. So for me, I can say I was born in 1969, or if I want to impress any nearby Japanese, Showa 44.
This is all well and good, but last week this method of marking time produced an historical event of sorts. The two maiko (apprentice geisha) pictured below, debuted with their very first rounds of Gion teahouses. The one on the left may make a name for herself by becoming a respected and skilled geisha, however young Fumiko on the right is assured of at least a footnote in the history books. As at the tender age of 15, she has become the very first maiko to be born in the current Heisei Era. A period that begun in 1989 with the death of Hirohito, and the ascendance to the throne of his son, Akihito.
Fascinating stuff eh?
Jenni says
Showa 56 makes me sound so OLD! Great job on the site and I love your photography! 🙂
pam says
A big part of apprenticeship must be learning to walk on those tugboats.
melina says
i think it’s extremely fascinating! you don’t read or hear about the items you blog about on a day to day basis in california, ya know?
i really enjoy your blog and pics. i’ve always had a fondness for japan, when in 4th grade, i chose japan to do a report on. silly, i know, but it’s stuck.
🙂
Chris says
oh man showa 19 heh that sounds like a good age 😛 glad i can say it’s me lol. Anyways lee i gotta tell you once again, i love your site, number 2 on my faivorites list w00t. Btw that is awesome that you put http://www.onticsect.com on your list of links elsewhere. Very cool man. Feel free to post a thread at that forum advertising your site.
Lee says
Jenni: Thanks! But I don’t care how old it makes you feel, I’d gladly take Showa 56 anytime. Want to swap Showa 44?
Pam: Yeah, I think it’s 7 1/2 hours a day of shoe training, and then a quick half an hour at the end of the day to cover a bit of dancing and singing!
Melina: That’s one of the main reasons I started this blog. It’s easy to forget sometimes how different this place really is. At least this way I get to record some of the more interesting stuff. And if a few of you enjoy it, then all the better!
And last but by no means least, Chris. It was my pleasure to put a link to your site, and thanks for the kind words. But only number 2? ; )