Last day of Heisei era: April 30, 2019

Today is the last day of Heisei era as the Heisei Emperor steps down from his position.

New Reiwa era will start tomorrow (May 1^st) with a new Emperor succeeding his father.

Series of resignation ceremonies took place in the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo.

The Heisei Emperor sent his last message to Japanese people.

He expressed his gratitude to Japanese people for their support for him as a symbol of the nation’s unity.”

He also stressed his hope that the new Reiwa era would be peaceful.”

I visited the Imperial Palace in the afternoon.

Many people gathered in the park in front of the palace’s main gate.

TV stations set their cameras to report the historical time.

Visitors expressed their thankfulness to the outgoing emperor in their comments to reporters’ questions in the news programs.

The Heisei era started I 1989. Japan entered into the aging society in the 30 years of Heisei. The population started to decline after 2008. The economic growth slowed down. The rich-poor gap has widened.

There are many good points, too. The safety and stability of the society have been kept. It has become easier to change jobs than 30 years ago. Public nursery service started. We have not had any war in the Heisei era.

Thanks very much and good bye Heisei.

Welcome, Reiwa.

Cherry and spring flowers: April 7, 2019

It is spring.

Tokyo is in the peak of cherry blossom. Other spring flowers began to open.

I enjoyed cherry and other flowers several times in the past several days.

People enjoyed cherry in the Kitazawa River footpath on April 6. 

The sky was blue on the day. It made good contrast with the pink cherry.

Grasses started to grow along the creek.

Many people enjoy their walks and picnics.

I visited the Roka Park the following day. I found many families enjoying drinks and foods under the cherry trees.

The cherry was also fully open along the Karasuyama-river footpath on April 7.

The cherry trees stand around the tower in Gotokuji Temple. (See also the 2nd photo from the top)

I found various spring flowers.

The petals of cherry were falling on the dandelion flowers.

Violets and tulip were open.

The fresh leaves of the gingko and other trees started to grow.

Shimokitazawa: April 6, 2019

Shimokitazawa is known as one of fashionable towns in Tokyo.

It has many theaters. There are many trendy shops, restaurants and cafes in the area. Many young people, both Japanese and non-Japanese gather there to enjoy “young culture”.

A new Shimokitazawa station opened in March. It is used for the Odakyu line and the Inogashira line.

There used to be a retro-fashioned station there. Now the new complex is modern.

The re-development of the station and surrounding area started 15 years ago in 2004. They have moved the railways of Odakyu line from over-ground to underground. A new station complex has been built.

Old market near the station had been cleaned up. Now, a new open-air market is open.

I found many young people enjoying their times on the street.

It was a big fun to see the changes of Shimokitazawa.