Much like chapters in a book, the enthronement of an emperor marks the beginning of a new era in Japan. From Meiji to Taisho to Showa, each imperial era began and ended with the death of an emperor followed by a yearlong period in which the country mourned, holidays and festivities were canceled and the economy briefly sputtered.
But the Heisei Era has a different ending, with Emperor Naruhito ascending the throne on Wednesday following the abdication of his father, now known as Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
"The difference is that this era (ended) with the abdication of an emperor, not his death," said Midori Watanabe, a former producer for Nippon TV. "This time, the emperor told the public that he's concerned about his health and chose to step down and make way for his successor."