Heisei Era: 1989-
Political confusion and scandal seems to become widespread. Japanese economy begins to slow down resulting in a decline in value of the yen and calls by the West for major changes in the way the Japanese run their businesses.
Particular dates of importance
Emperor Akihito: 1989 -present
1991: Japan's slowness to become involved in the Gulf War triggers heated debate about U.S.-Japan relationship
1992: Japan resumes bilateral diplomatic relations with South Africa
1993: Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa makes clearest statement to date that Japan was aggressor against Korea, China and other nations
1994: Minister of Justice Shigeto Nagano claims that the Rape of Nanking never happened. He ends up being forced to resign.
1995: The Great Hanshin Earthquake hits Kobe, killing thousands.
1998: A movie supporting the "Rape of Nanking never happened" theme opens to great support by older Japanese but protests by younger Japanese.
1999-2000: Japan undergoes a period of intense earthquake and volcanic activity.
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