In a significant move, Japan recently implemented new regulations concerning the spelling and pronunciation of names. These changes, announced last week, aim to address the rising trend of unconventional baby names, often referred to as “kira kira” (translated as “glittery”) in kanji, one of the country’s primary writing systems.
But why is this naming trend causing concern for Japanese officials? And do these new rules signal trouble for parents aspiring to choose unique names like Nike, the sports brand, or Pikachu, the lively lightning-powered character from the iconic Pokémon franchise?
Understanding Kira Kira Names
A kira kira name is characterized by its unconventional pronunciation, which often deviates from expected phonetic norms in kanji. Japan’s writing system comprises three scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. While parents have access to approximately 2,999 kanji characters, only around 2,136 are commonly utilized for naming purposes. Hiragana and katakana are also relevant.
The rise of kira kira names began in the 1980s, fueled by the influence of pop culture, brand names, and beloved characters from video games and animation, such as Studio Ghibli’s creations.
Parents may creatively select names like Pikachu or Hello Kitty, attempting to match kanji that phonetically aligns with their choice. However, this often results in confusing pronunciations that diverge significantly from the intended names.
The Issues Surrounding Kira Kira Names
These names may be visually interpretable one way but are intended to be pronounced quite differently, complicating communication in essential settings such as schools and hospitals. For instance, a name written as “今鹿” might suggest a pronunciation of “imashika,” typically a surname. Yet, parents could intend for it to be read as “Naushika,” inspired by the protagonist from the famed Ghibli film, *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind*.
As highlighted by linguist John Maher from Temple University’s Japan campus, this discrepancy can lead to confusion and frustration in daily life. Teachers struggle to manage names on rosters, while employers face similar challenges with employee names.
The Appeal of Kira Kira Names
The allure of these “glittery” names may stem from a desire to challenge traditional norms. A study covering the years 1913 to 2015 found an increasing trend in diverse naming conventions in Japan. The National Institute for the Japanese Language (NINJAL) is tasked with understanding these changes, though comprehensive data remains lacking.
Linguist Adam Aleksic suggests this trend reflects a broader societal shift towards individuality, possibly influenced by Western culture. He notes that such phenomena exist globally, with parents naming their children after trending characters from popular media.
Government Action on Naming Practices
In response to the challenges posed by kira kira names, the Japanese government amended its family registry law on June 2, 2023, with the changes taking effect on May 26. This law mandates that families register “furigana” readings of names—smaller scripts written in hiragana and katakana that clarify the phonetic pronunciation of kanji names.
This amendment enables authorities to better verify the correspondence between a name’s spelling and its intended pronunciation. Notifications will now be sent to households requesting confirmation of the pronunciations, which applies to newborns and all registered members. While older individuals with unconventional names won’t be required to change them, the process aims to standardize name pronunciations across the board.
The new regulations do not outright ban kira kira names; rather, they impose restrictions to ensure that the names chosen align with common pronunciations for the selected kanji characters.
Looking Ahead: Potential Impacts of the New Law
Aleksic predicts that the new regulations might reduce the prevalence of non-standard name pronunciations but believes parents will continue to seek out creative ways to express individuality, possibly by using rare characters or focusing more on katakana. “I am confident that the pursuit of uniqueness will prevail, and parents will find alternative approaches to naming, even if it sparks discontent among traditionalists,” he remarked.