The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has announced its character of the year as 熊 (kuma, bear) for the surge in ursine encounters nationwide. Other trending logograms under consideration were were 米—rice, bei/kome—citing inflation in the price of the staple and general anxiety over stockpiles, exacerbated by tariffs, a homophone. As in past years (see previously below for more), the winner is unveiled before the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, writing the character in large calligraphy by the chief priest.
synchronoptica
one year ago: Chinese buzzwords of the year (with synchronopticæ), kanji character of the year plus the first purpose-built communications satellite (1958)
twelve years ago: regrettable legal precedence plus canine translators
thirteen years ago: counter-narratives on internet regulation
fifteen years ago: seasonal weather
sixteen years ago: contemplating a Christmas canival
