Justice Ministry Proposes Changing Law to Discourage "Kirakira Names"

Overview

The topic of "kirakira neemu," a term that refers to unconventional given names in Japan, has sparked debate in recent years. In an effort to streamline the digitization of administrative procedures, the Justice Ministry has proposed revising the Family Register Law. We listen to a news story about the recommended changes, which include limiting readings to those widely recognized by the public. We also learn about Japanese naming trends and their historical context.