Economy
ASAHI SHIMBUN, ASIA, CORRUPTION, DEMOCRACY, ECONOMY, EUROPE, FRANCE, GOVERNANCE, IS, JAPAN, JAPAN KANJI APTITUDE TESTING FOUNDATION, KIN, KIYOMIZU - DERA, KYOTO, LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC, LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, MORI, PARIS, SAI, SEIHAN MORI, SHOHEI OHTANI, TOKYO
Clara Montgomery
Japan Selects ‘Kin’ as Kanji of the Year Reflecting Olympic Success and Political Scandal
Japan has chosen the kanji “kin” for 2023, symbolizing gold and money, due to the country’s Olympic achievements and a financial scandal involving the ruling party. The decision was announced at Kiyomizu-dera temple, highlighting public sentiment amidst rising costs and significant political unrest.
The kanji character “kin,” signifying gold or money, has been designated as Japan’s kanji of the year, reflecting the nation’s remarkable success at the Paris Olympics and a troubling financial scandal involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Kiyomizu-dera, a revered Buddhist temple in Kyoto, served as the venue for this announcement, where the head priest, Seihan Mori, inscribed the character on a canvas. The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation reported that “kin” garnered a total of 12,148 votes out of 221,971 cast in the annual selection process.
The significance of the kanji character selection resonates deeply with contemporary Japanese society, intertwining themes of political integrity and national pride. The selection follows a notable Olympic showing, with athletes achieving record successes which reflect a moment of national pride. Concurrently, the exposure of financial misconduct within the ruling party has stirred public discontent, highlighting the duality of glory and corruption prevalent in current affairs.
In conclusion, the choice of “kin” as the kanji of the year emphasizes the juxtaposition of Japan’s sporting excellence and the underlying political turbulence. It encapsulates a year where athletic victories were overshadowed by scandals, prompting critical reflection among the populace. This selection serves not only as a recognition of achievements but as a profound commentary on Japan’s socio-political landscape.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
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