- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,057
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Parents in Japan will no longer have unrestricted freedom when naming their children following the implementation of new regulations governing the pronunciation of kanji (漢字) characters. The change targets the growing trend of so-called "kirakira" (キラキラ, meaning "shiny" or "glittery") names—unusual or overly creative readings of characters that have become popular among parents seeking distinctive names for their children. These names have frequently caused complications for administrative bodies and, at times, drawn mockery or misunderstanding among peers at school.
Under the updated koseki (戸籍, "family registry") rules, parents must now report the phonetic reading of any kanji they choose to eliminate controversial or confusing pronunciations. While the use of kanji itself remains legal, only officially recognised readings will be accepted going forward.
Under the updated koseki (戸籍, "family registry") rules, parents must now report the phonetic reading of any kanji they choose to eliminate controversial or confusing pronunciations. While the use of kanji itself remains legal, only officially recognised readings will be accepted going forward.
Japan introduces rules to put outlandish baby names to bed
The change is designed to halt the use of kirakira (shiny or glittery) names that have proliferated among parents hoping to add a creative flourish