The Government of Japan is considering setting January 1, 2019, as the start of a new era under the new emperor , Gazeta reported quoting Sankei.

According to the newspaper, the bill providing a similar opportunity is planned to be submitted in May, 2017.

The acting emperor of Japan Akihito, 83, hinted earlier that he wanted to abdicate and his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, would become the 126th occupant of the Chrysanthemum throne.

Nevertheless the existing constitution of Japan doesn't provide a possibility of abdication and  in this connection the Japanese government prepares amendments.