What’s in a name? With new guidelines, the Japanese government wants to know.

Furigana, the kanji kana used to clarify how Japanese汉字 are read, has gained significant attention recently. As part of Japan's revised Family Register Act, starting in May 2023, Furigana must be recorded for every citizen’s name in the family register. This change aims to limit the use of informal, playful katakana-based names like "kira-kira," which are often used to describe shiny or flashy things, while ensuring official documents remain professional and precise.