TOKYO — It’s the end of an era, and the new one already has a name.

The Japanese government on Monday officially unveiled the name of the imperial era set to begin on May 1, the day after the current emperor, Akihito, abdicates.

Akihito, 85, is the first Japanese monarch to step down in more than 200 years. As his reign ends so does his era, known as Heisei.

The reign of each emperor is accompanied by a name for his term in power, and the era’s name becomes an important part of everyday life in Japan, as it is used to indicate the date on all official documents.

At a news conference on Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga dramatically revealed a calligraphic rendering of the name for the era of the incoming emperor, Naruhito, 59, the current crown prince.