In Japan, revisions to the Family Register Act now limit unique kanji pronunciations for children’s names after Shigeru and Ayako Sato named their child Akuma ("Devil") in 1994. This decision initiated a movement to prevent unconventional names, with local authorities now empowered to reject proposals deemed too unusual. Prohibited names include terms like 'Jewel' and 'Naruto.' The government aims to ensure names are easily pronounced and do not pose future challenges for children, transitioning the once-trendy practice of unique names toward more conventional choices.
‘There will only be one Japanese (person) with this name. If you hear it once, you'll never forget the name ... It is the best possible name.’
Local authorities now have the power to refuse a proposed name to ensure it can be pronounced easily and will not negatively impact a child's future.
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