In western world, year had religious origin, reference year 1 was Jesus Christ related. In the east, no religion had such a power, year 1 was the year current emperor became an emperor. Since reference points kept changing, there are many year 1, year 12, year 20, etc. Year number was unique only in the context of a single country, under the same ruler.
Showa year 12, was the 12th year of Showa Emperor became an emperor. 1945 was Showa Year 20.
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