Often for the Car Auctions the year is only listed in the Japanese format. It is necessary to convert the years into the Western format to understand exactly the age of the cars you are bidding on.

The Japanese calendar uses the traditional era name, or "gengo" (元号), to mark years. This system is based on the reign of the emperor and changes with each emperor.

For example, the current era is Reiwa (令和), which began on May 1, 2019, with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito. Before Reiwa, there was Heisei (平成), Showa (昭和), and so on, each representing a specific period during an emperor's reign.

The years count up from 1 at the start of each era, for example 2019 became Reiwa 1 so 2020 would be Reiwa 2, and continue like this until a new era begins when they rest to 1 and start again.