MODERN Eras in Kimono History (Post-Edo)

[AnaIkimaru]

Heisei Era (1989- )
Emperor Akihito


Showa Era (1927-1988)
Emperor Hirohito


Taisho Era (1912-1926)
Emperor Yoshihito


Meiji Era (1968-1912)
Emperor Mutsuhito


When looking for a kimono, often you will hear a reference of age. The "age" title is normally referred to by the Emperor's posthumous name. For example, instead of calling a kimono from the 1960's "Hirohito Era", one would say "Mid-Showa". If you know the specific year, say 1967, then you could call the garment as a kimono from "Showa 40". The first year of the Emperor's reign starts off as year number one. Nowadays, a Gregorian Calendar standard is in place, but anyone proficient in kimono or antiques, or in Japanese traditions is expected to know this basic rule. Now, some of you may be going, "Your Era Years are wrrrrrrong!". In the case of the Taisho and Showa Era, since they began or ended towards the late or early months of the year I rounded it off slightly. This is because while say, one Emperor died, it would take a couple of months before the coronation could take place, and the new administration wouldn't be in full swing until the year I have provided. So please keep that in mind when dating your kimono. [-o< This thread will be updated with examples of kimono from each era very soon.