Sometime this weekend, the cabinet members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will be locked in a room without communication devices of any kind. Not so much as a smartwatch will remain as they engage in deliberations, and they will stay locked in that room until the decision that they reach is announced to the public.

So what life-and-death decision will be made in this top secret meeting? The formulation of a new national security strategy? The revision of the constitution? A declaration of war?

Not quite. They’re going to choose the name for the next era in the Japanese calendar.

Confused? Don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know about the changeover in Japanese emperors (but were too embarrassed to ask).

This week The Corbett Report Subscriber offers the complete beginners’ guide to the imperial abdication in Japan and a subscriber video about hobbies and pastimes. For full access to the subscriber newsletter, and to support this website, please become a member.

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