The Kanji of the Year: Did You Know About This End-of-Year Tradition in Japan?
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Every December, Japan eagerly awaits the announcement of the “Kanji of the Year.”
This Chinese character, chosen through a national vote by the Nihon Kanji Noryoku Kentei Kyokai (Japanese Kanji Proficiency Test Association), reflects the events, trends, and emotions that shaped the year in Japan.
The kanji is live-calligraphed on a large canvas by a priest from Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, becoming a symbol of the nation’s collective mindset.
What is the Kanji of the Year?
Each year, a kanji is selected to capture the essence of the twelve months. This character, rich in meaning, helps facilitate discussion, deepen understanding, and transmit memories across time—it becomes a kind of cultural heritage.
The tradition began in 1995 and has grown into a widely-followed event. People of all ages across Japan vote for the kanji that they feel best embodies the spirit of the past year. The choice can be influenced by political, economic, social, or natural events, as well as by sporting and cultural achievements.
The Kanji of the Year is a significant event in Japan’s year-end celebrations, prompting reflection on the past year’s major events. It is followed with great interest by the public and attracts attention from both national and international media.
The kanji also serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs the country faced, encouraging reflection on future progress. It is a tradition that strengthens the sense of identity and community among the Japanese people.
Notable Examples
2023 : 税 (“Zei” – Tax)
This kanji symbolized the economic challenges and fiscal reforms that defined Japan in 2023, such as debates over tax policies, the new invoicing system, inflation, and government measures to lessen the impact on taxpayers.
2018 : 災 (“Sai ou wazawai” – Disaster)
The year 2018 was marked by a series of natural disasters in Japan, including typhoons, earthquakes, heatwaves, and floods. This kanji expressed the resilience of the Japanese people in the face of such calamities.
2009 : 新 (“Shin ou atarashii” – New)
This character was chosen because the year marked several renewals: political change (such as a new U.S. president), new sporting records (Ichiro in Major League Baseball; Usain Bolt in athletics), and the emergence of a new strain of flu.
And the Kanji of the Year for 2024?
In 2024, the chosen kanji is 金 (Kin or Kane), meaning “gold” (the precious material) or “money.” For this year, it represents not only the brilliance and luster of gold but also the hidden side of it.
The choice of “金” reflects several important events and trends:
The Paris Olympics: Japan won 20 gold medals, which was a source of national pride.
Shohei Ohtani: The baseball star had an exceptional performance, hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, leading to a World Series victory with the Dodgers. His success was likened to gold.
Political Scandal: The kanji “金” was also chosen to represent the political scandals involving hidden funds and slush funds within the Liberal Democratic Party, which had a significant impact on Japanese politics.
Inflation and Illegal Labor: “金” also reflects economic challenges such as ongoing inflation and the issue of “yami baito” (illegal work), which heightened social concerns.
New Banknotes: In July 2024, Japan issued new yen banknotes to combat counterfeiting. This symbolic renewal of the economy was also associated with the kanji “金.”
What’s Your Kanji of the Year?
Were you familiar with this Japanese tradition? Did you expect to see the character 金, which has already been chosen four times before (in 2000, 2012, 2016, and 2020)?
What character would you have imagined representing the year 2024 in the Land of the Rising Sun? What character would represent your personal year?
References
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