Japanese Era & Age Chart

Convert Wareki↔Seireki, find age, zodiac, and school enrollment/graduation years instantly. Useful for resumes and age verification.

* School enrollment year differs by 1 year between early and late births

How to Use

  1. STEP 1
    In the Year Search tab, enter a Western or Japanese era year to see the age, zodiac, school years, and life events.
  2. STEP 2
    The Chart tab shows the last 100 years with era, age, and zodiac at a glance.
  3. STEP 3
    The School Years tab calculates elementary through university enrollment and graduation years from your birth year.
  • Calculations are based on Japan's standard 6-3-3-4 school system.
  • April 1 birthdays are counted as the previous academic year. Exact birthday is not considered.
  • Supported eras: Meiji (1868), Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa.
  • New era names may take time to be reflected in this tool after official announcement.

Tips

1

Reiwa began on May 1, 2019. Heisei: 1989–2019, Showa: 1926–1989.

2

Kanreki (60) means the zodiac cycle returns to your birth year.

3

Yakudoshi (unlucky ages) are traditionally calculated by 'kazoe-doshi' (counting age), which may differ by 1–2 years from the displayed age.

4

Japan's legal adult age was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022.

5

The zodiac is a 12-year cycle originating in East Asia, starting with Rat and ending with Pig.

FAQ

  • QUESTION 1

    What eras are supported?

    We support Meiji (1868) through the present, including Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa.

  • QUESTION 2

    Are the school year calculations accurate?

    They're based on Japan's standard system. Gap years, early/late admission, or grade repetition are not considered.

  • QUESTION 3

    How is Yakudoshi calculated?

    We display standard ages. Traditional yakudoshi uses kazoe-doshi (counting age), which can differ. Consult a shrine for official advice.

  • QUESTION 4

    How is the zodiac determined?

    It's a 12-year cycle. The year 4 AD is the Rat year. Divide by 12 and the remainder determines the zodiac.

  • QUESTION 5

    Can I use this for resumes?

    Yes! The School Years tab shows enrollment and graduation in both Western and Japanese era formats, perfect for resumes and CVs.

This information is general. Verify with official sources for important matters.

Japanese Era & Age Chart | Jenee