In Japan, we use not only the western dating system but also the Japanese dating system. This year is 2009 in the western dating system, but it is also the 21st year of Heisei(平成) in Japanese calendar. We call this dating system nengo (年号).
Before Heisei, it was Showa (昭和), before Showa, it was Taisho(大正), and before Taisho, it was Meiji (明治).
Meiji period started on Jan. 25, 1868 and finished on July 30, 1912 when the Emperor Meiji passed away at the age of 61. He was the 122nd Emperor.
Between 1913 to 1926, July 30 became a holiday to commemorate the Emperor Meiji. But it has moved to Nov. 3 which is his birthday in Gregorian calendar since 1927. Now the day is a holiday called bunka no hi(文化の日), Culture Day.
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