おもてなしの基礎英語　session99

99

Have you heard about the new emperor?
 

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Asuka: A gengo is the name of an era. It's a unique Japanese system for counting years.

Olivia: A system for counting years?

Asuka: Basically, every Japanese emperor has a different gengo. Have you heard about the new emperor?

Olivia: Of course. He took the throne in... May was it?

Akira: Yep. That's when the gengo changed from Heisei to Reiwa.
As a matter of fact, there's a shrine nearby with a deep connection to the Reiwa name. Would you like to go?
Olivia: Will there be a big crowd?
Akira: It's not as busy as this shrine, but it's in the news these days- I'm sure there will be some people there.
Akira: This is Sakamoto Hachimangu. The characters for Reiwa come from the Man'yoshu. Have you ever heard of that?

Olivia: No.

Akira: It's the oldest collection of poetry in Japan. Part of it is said to have been written here.

Olivia: Who wrote it?

Akira: Good question. Asuka, do you know?