Seven years of the Reiwa Era

On this day, May 1st, in 2019 the Reiwa Era began. We say its the eight year of Reiwa, because in Japan they count the era years from one. But it was in 2019, so seven years ago, that Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne. The transition followed the abdication of Emperor Akihito, the first abdication in over two centuries, made possible by a special one-time law.

With Naruhito's accession the era name shifted from Heisia to Reiwa, making it the 248th era name since the system began in the 7th century. Reiwa's name is especially signficant: for the first time in Japanese history, the era name was drawn from the Manyoshu, the oldest existing anthology of Japanese poetry.

Unfortunately, when I think of the Reiwa era, I am haunted by the image of the pictured Hina Dolls. NHK, the national broadcasting station, showcased them earlier in the year as the "Hina Dolls of the Reiwa Era". I hope over time I can replace this "Reiwa" image with something deeper, more joyous and prettier to look at! 

What do you associate with the Reiwa Era?