Japan has implemented new rules regarding the naming of children, specifically focusing on the pronunciation of kanji characters. Designed to curb the trend of kirakira names, which are often seen as too creative or fantastical, these rules require parents to provide local authorities with the phonetic readings of the kanji they choose for their children's names. This initiative aims to alleviate administrative confusion in public services and schools while also addressing societal concerns over unconventional naming practices. While the rules do not outright ban unique names, they emphasize established pronunciations to streamline digital records and lessen misunderstandings.
While the revisions to the family registry act do not ban kanji characters, parents are required to inform local authorities of their phonetic reading, in an attempt to banish unusual pronunciations.
The government has described the emphasis on standard pronunciations as a way of simplifying the digitalisation of administrative procedures, but it is also being seen as an attempt to slow the spread of quirky names.
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