Japan prohibits unusual or unconventional baby names to maintain societal norms and ease the baby's faced life associated with having a unique name.
Stricter Naming Regulations in Japan: A Move to Bar Unusual, "Kirakira" Names
In response to growing concerns over confusion and bullying, the Japanese government has tightened regulations on baby naming. The new measures target unconventional names, often referred to as "kirakira" names, which derive inspiration from pop culture, foreign words, or novel interpretations of kanji characters [1][2].
Moving forward, parents will need to register the phonetic reading of their child's name with local authorities, a move intended to reduce confusion caused by inventive pronunciations of kanji characters [1][2]. This change will only allow "generally accepted" readings of kanji characters, effectively prohibiting unconventional pronunciations [1].
The new regulations are expected to make life easier for schools and hospitals, where unusual names can result in administrative challenges. Moreover, they are designed to shield children from potential ridicule in schools due to their names [1][2].
The debate over kirakira names has simmered in Japan since the 1990s. While some parents advocate for creative naming practices, authorities have voiced concerns over names that are hard to pronounce [1]. Going forward, parents who use an excessively unconventional pronunciation will need to explain their choice in writing and offer an acceptable alternative if requested [1].
Some kirakira names, such as Pikachu (similar to the Pokémon character), Pū (similar to Winnie-the-Pooh), and Kitty (like Hello Kitty), have drawn ridicule in schools in the past [1][2]. The new rules may limit the liberty of parents to choose unique names, potentially impacting the diversity of naming practices in Japan [2].
It's worth noting that Japan is not unique in regulating baby names; countries like Iceland, Malaysia, and others have similar regulations [1][2]. As with any societal regulation, the new rules in Japan ignite discussions between cultural preservation and individual expression [1].
- Sources:
[1] ntv.de, akr[2] The Guardian
- Keywords:
- Japan
- Baby Names
- Regulations
- Kirakira Names
- Cultural Debates
- Parental Choice
- In light of the new regulations, parents may need to consider the implications of unconventional names, such as those inspired by science, health-and-wellness, or parenting, in relation to the community and employment policies that might be affected.
- The revised employment policy in Japan might potentially disregard applications with unconventional names due to the difficulties in pronunciation and potential for associated confusion, making it essential for parents to carefully choose their child's name, even if it refers to popular science, health, or parenting figures or concepts.
