Across Japan printers, minters and computer programmers alike are waiting. Since Emperor Akihito announced in December 2017 that he would be abdicating at the end of April this year, one question has stuck on their lips: Which two kanji characters would be chosen to define the new imperial era?

In a tradition that dates back to the 7th century, each Japanese emperor's time on the throne is accompanied by a word that helps sets the tone and leaves a mark on history. The name of the current era applied since Akihito, 85, took the throne in 1989 as Japan boomed is Heisei, meaning "peace" "achievement" or "becoming".

Official documentation tends to be stamped with the kanji. In echoes of the Millenium Bug, Fujitsu and NEC have been helping customers ensure their computers do not crash when the new epoch is ushered in, while in banks and offices across the country, clerks will be restamping paperwork with the new gengо̄, or era.

As well as the practical changes resulting from the unveiling expected on Monday, a great symbolic weight will adorn whichever two kanji finally make the cut. The phrase they produce will be pregnant with the state's hope for the coming epoch - and will be the moniker by which the period is remembered in retrospect.