Celebration of Japan's new era big opportunity for business

Japan is getting ready for its biggest celebration in years with the advent of the Reiwa era of soon-to-be emperor Naruhito. That means big opportunities for businesses hoping consumers will splash out on long holidays and memorabilia.

Many Japanese will get their longest ever Golden Week holidays, 10 days to mark May 1s beginning of the new era following Emperor Akihitos abdication on April 30, and some are taking advantage of deep discounts. The expected downsides: monster traffic jams and struggles to keep store shelves stocked with so many people getting time off.

The transition from the Heisei era of Akihito to the upcoming Reiwa era is a rare opportunity to celebrate: the Heisei era came amid mourning for Akihitos father, the late emperor Hirohito, a time of somber restraint.