The Shōwa period (Japanese: 昭和時代) was the time in Japanese history when Emperor Hirohito reigned over the country, from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989.  It is the longest period of all Japanese emperors.

The early part of Hirohito's reign was characterized by a period of imperialism. Following the surrender of Japan in the Second World War, the Occupation of Japan lasted until 1952. After the Treaty of San Francisco was enacted, Japan was free and has been in a period of relative peace ever since.

The word Shōwa means "enlightened peace". Showa and Shouwa are alternative Romanizations. It is pronounced sho wa, with an elongated o in the first syllable.

• See Also:Japanese nationalism

Japanese era name to Gregorian calendar system conversion:

Showa	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	10th	15th	20th	25th	30th	35th	40th	45th	50th	55th	60th	64th
Gregorian	1926	1927	1928	1929	1930	1935	1940	1945	1950	1955	1960	1965	1970	1975	1980	1985	1989

Subperiods:

• Expansionism
• Occupation
• Post-Occupation Japan