Originally Posted by
ksandness
Yes, I remember seeing the last era change on TV. The reporters were gathered, and someone (I forget who), unveiled a sign that said 平成 (Heisei), which could just as well been pronounced Hyosho or Hiranari...
In fact, I recall that there was a bit of discussion about how it would be pronounced.
That was the future PM Obuchi! Doomed to be forever known as Heisei ojisan...