Year of Japanese Words189

Japanese is a rich and complex language with a vast vocabulary. Each year, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation selects a kanji (Chinese character) to represent the year. This practice dates back to 1995. The chosen kanji is often reflective of the current events or cultural zeitgeist of the year.

The process of selecting the kanji of the year is rigorous. The foundation solicits nominations from the public and then a panel of experts narrows down the list to a few finalists. The final selection is made by a vote of the Japanese public. In recent years, the top three kanji have been announced in December, with the winner being revealed on January 12th.

The kanji of the year has become a popular way to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to the future. It can be used in personal reflections, in speeches, and in works of art. In 2021, the kanji of the year was "金" (gold). This character was chosen to represent the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which were held that year. The character also reflects the economic challenges that Japan faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a list of the kanji of the year from 1995 to 2023:
1995: 震 (earthquake)
1996: 食 (food)
1997: 倒 (fall)
1998: 税 (tax)
1999: 末 (end)
2000: 金 (gold)
2001: 戰 (war)
2002: 生 (birth)
2003: 風 (wind)
2004: 力 (power)
2005: 愛 (love)
2006: 命 (life)
2007: 和 (harmony)
2008: 輪 (circle)
2009: 新 (new)
2010: 笑 (laugh)
2011: 絆 (bond)
2012: 金 (gold)
2013: 輪 (circle)
2014: 税 (tax)
2015: 安 (peace)
2016: 金 (gold)
2017: 北 (north)
2018: 西 (west)
2019: 令 (order)
2020: 密 (secret)
2021: 金 (gold)
2022: 戦 (war)
2023: 令 (order)

The kanji of the year is a valuable tool for understanding Japanese culture and society. It can help us to see the events of the past year through a different lens and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Japanese language.

2024-10-29

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