Japan has amended its family registration law to regulate not only the characters used in children's names but also to require parents to register the reading (pronunciation) of those names. Local registration offices will review submissions to ensure that the pronunciation aligns reasonably with the kanji used and conforms to social norms.

NEW YORK, NY (MERXWIRE) - A name is the first gift parents give to their child. Traditionally, this process was handled with great care, selecting characters with beautiful meanings. However, in recent years, some parents have sought distinctiveness above all-naming their children "Pikachu," "Kitty," or even "Akuma" (meaning "devil"). Is this truly harmless? The Japanese government says: No. According to the latest legal revision, starting in 2026, such unconventional names will no longer be allowed in newborn registrations.

To curb the growing trend of flashy, attention-seeking names, the Japanese government has passed an amendment to the Family Register Act, introducing a 'name reading registration system.' The aim is to put a stop to naming practices that may seem creative but can cause future inconvenience or harm to the child, such as confusion in administrative processes, school records, and even emergency medical care.

One key component of the amendment is the prohibition of so-called 'kirakira names.' These are names that utilise rare characters, unconventional readings, or names borrowed from anime, brands, or popular culture. For instance, names like 'Pikachu,' 'Kitty,' and 'Akuma' exemplify this trend.

According to data from Japan's Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Internal Affairs, this overly creative naming trend has been on the rise since the 2000s, sparking public debate. Completely disconnected from its literal meaning. Under the revised Family Register Act, parents must now submit not only the kanji for a child's name but also its intended reading. Authorities will examine whether the pronunciation is excessively unusual or violates social norms. If the reading deviates significantly from the character's meaning or conveys inappropriate imagery, the government reserves the right to reject the registration.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice emphasised that the law is not meant to stifle creativity but to protect children from potential bullying, discrimination, or social disadvantage in the future. While there were previously some review mechanisms in place, enforcement was lax. This revision strengthens the legal basis for administrative intervention.

A name is a child's first identity in society. When a name is too unconventional, it risks labelling the child unfairly. While parents give names out of love, the law intervenes out of concern for the child's long-term well-being. The government is not banning specific kanji; instead, it seeks to ensure a reasonable connection between a name's sound and meaning, striking a balance between cultural value, practicality, and respect.