The Shōwa period (Japanese: 昭和時代, Shōwa-jidai, "period of enlightened peace") was the time in Japanese history when Emperor Hirohito reigned over the country, from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989. It was the longest reign of all Japanese emperors.

The early part of Hirohito's reign was characterized by strong nationalist influences (Japanese nationalism) and imperialism. Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the surrender of Japan in the Second World War, the Occupation of Japan lasted until 1952. After the Treaty of San Francisco was enacted, Japan had regained independent sovereignty and has been in relative peace ever since.

Pronunciation and Romanization

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Shōwa (昭和) is pronounced sho wa, with an elongated o in the first syllable.

Preceded by: Taishō

Japanese era name

Succeeded by: Heisei

Japanese era name to Gregorian calendar system conversion:

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Shōwa	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	10th	15th	20th	25th	30th	35th	40th	45th	50th	55th	60th	64th
Gregorian	1926	1927	1928	1929	1930	1935	1940	1945	1950	1955	1960	1965	1970	1975	1980	1985	1989

Subperiods:

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• Expansionism
• Occupation
• Post-Occupation Japan

See also

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• Showa crisis

Japanese eras | History of Japan

Shōwa-Zeit | Ère Shōwa | 쇼와 시대 | 昭和 | Período Showa | 昭和