As of May 26, 2025, Japan has implemented new regulations that restrict parents from choosing unconventional 'sparkly' or kira-kira names for their children, such as Naiki (Nike), Pikachu, Kitty, Pudding, Daiya (Diamond), and Pu (from Winnie-the-Pooh). This comes as part of a government effort to standardize the pronunciation of kanji characters used in names.
The new guidelines, introduced under a revamped phonetic law, mandate clear and traditional pronunciations for names registered in the national family register. While parents can still select from approximately 3,000 approved kanji characters, they must adhere to conventional pronunciations recognized by authorities.
Kira-kira names, which are often flashy or unconventional, have been criticized for causing confusion in social settings such as schools and healthcare facilities and can lead to embarrassment for the children who bear them. Authorities now have the power to request parents explain their choice of pronunciation. If parents cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, local officials may suggest alternative, more traditional readings.
Following the regulation’s enforcement, all Japanese residents will receive official mail notifications to verify the phonetic readings of their names. Individuals with non-compliant names can apply for corrections within one year of notification.
This policy aims to preserve clarity in communication and uphold cultural traditions in Japanese naming practices while seeking to balance parental choice with societal convention.
