Restrictions Placed on "Kira Kira" Naming Practices Using Kanji in Japan
In Japan, the practice of giving children unique names, known as "Kira Kira (きらきら, sparkling) names," is now being restricted. The kanji characters used in names can only be read in officially recognized ways.
On the 28th (local time), CNN and other U.S. media outlets reported that the Japanese government began enforcing an amendment to the Family Register Act containing these provisions on the 26th.
Kira Kira names refer to names that use kanji characters pronounced differently from their usual readings, essentially creating customized readings. For example, the kanji character "Ai (愛)," which means "love" and is usually read as "Ai," might be registered in the family register, but the actual name would be pronounced "Love."
Japan uses three types of scripts: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. The Family Register Act limits the kanji characters that can be used in names to 2,999. However, since there were no regulations on how the kanji could be read, parents had the option to create distinctive names.
In particular, the popularity of Kira Kira names began to rise among parents in the late 1980s, coinciding with a social atmosphere in Japan that encouraged individuality. The trend was also driven by a desire to give children unique and creative names amid a long-standing pattern of low birth rates.
As a result, there was a surge in unusual names inspired by anime characters, global brands, and English words. Girls were registered with names like "Kitty" and "Elsa," while boys were given names such as "Nike," "Naruto," and "Pikachu."
However, as the pronunciation of these names' kanji characters often differed significantly from standard readings, concerns arose that it was difficult to read the names correctly just by looking at the kanji. In response, the Legislative Council of Japan announced in February that, for the sake of order in the naming system, names should be limited to those generally recognized, effectively putting a brake on Kira Kira names.
Under the revised law, local governments can now require parents who give names that clearly deviate from established conventions to provide a written explanation of the name's meaning or intent. If necessary, they may also recommend that the name be changed. Additionally, names that are judged to potentially have a negative impact on the child's future or are considered antisocial can be refused registration.
The introduction of these naming regulations has sparked debate within Japan. Some argue that naming is a personal freedom and should not be subject to government regulation. However, the majority support the change, citing concerns that overly unique names could cause problems in official settings such as schools, hospitals, or banks, and that children could be bullied if their names are considered strange.
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