When traveling in Japan, you may see dates written like 「令和6年」 on receipts, tickets, or forms.

If you’re wondering
“What year is this?” or “Is this an old document?” — you’re not alone.

Japan uses a traditional calendar system called Gengo, and Reiwa is the current era.
If a date isn’t written in Western years (2025, 2026, etc.), it’s likely written in Reiwa — and there’s no need to panic.

This quick guide will show you how to read Reiwa dates on Japanese receipts and documents, so you can travel with confidence.

What is Reiwa?

Reiwa image
photo credit: Wikipedia

Reiwa （令和）is the name of Japan’s current era in its traditional calendar system, called Gengo（元号）.

Instead of using only Western years (like 2025 or 2026), Japan often uses era-based years in daily life and official documents.

Reiwa began in 2019, and it is the era Japan uses today.

Why Japan Uses Reiwa Instead of Western Years

Japan uses both calendars.

  • Western years are common in international contexts
  • Reiwa is still widely used on domestic documents, receipts, and forms

For Japanese people, switching between the two is normal — but for visitors, Reiwa can feel unfamiliar at first.

In Japanese CharacterYear of ReiwaIn Western Calendar
令和８年8th year of Reiwa2026
令和７年7th year of Reiwa2025
令和６年6th year of Reiwa2024
令和５年5th year of Reiwa2023
令和４年4th year of Reiwa2022
令和３年3rd year of Reiwa2021
令和２年2nd year of Reiwa2020
令和元年1st year of Reiwa2019

When Travelers See Reiwa Dates

Most travelers notice Reiwa dates in these situations:

  • Receipts from shops or restaurants
  • Tickets and passes
  • Hotel or rental forms
  • Medical or pharmacy documents

If a date doesn’t look like “2025” or “2026,” it’s probably written in Reiwa.

Don’t Panic: A Simple Rule to Remember

You don’t need to memorize Japan’s calendar system to enjoy your trip.

Just remember:

  • Japan uses Reiwa
  • Reiwa is current
  • When in doubt, don’t panic

Understanding this small detail can help you feel more confident and relaxed while traveling in Japan.