As we step into 2024, Japan has revealed the Kanji of the Year, a tradition that captures the essence of the past year and sets the tone for the next. This year, the chosen kanji is 翔 (sho), meaning "soar" or "fly high in the sky." It’s a character filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of reaching new heights, making it a perfect symbol for a year that many hope will bring better times.

The Tradition of Kanji of the Year

Every year since 1995, the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society has conducted a national ballot where people across Japan vote for the kanji that best represents the year. The winning character is then revealed in a grand ceremony held at Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most famous temples. This event, known as Kanji Day, is celebrated on December 12th each year, and the chosen kanji often reflects significant events, challenges, or sentiments experienced by the Japanese people over the past year​.

The Meaning Behind 翔 (sho)

翔 (sho) is a kanji that conveys the idea of soaring, flying, or rising above. It’s often associated with freedom, ambition, and the pursuit of goals. In 2024, this character was selected by the renowned calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa, who chose it with the hope that people will overcome the challenges that have marked recent years and soar into a brighter future​. The character 翔 holds personal significance for Kanazawa, as it is part of her own name, Shoko. This connection adds an emotional layer to her choice, symbolizing not just a collective aspiration for the country but also a personal journey of growth and resilience. During the unveiling ceremony, Kanazawa expressed her desire for everyone to "soar powerfully into the future," reflecting a shared hope for renewal and progress.

The Significance of 翔 in 2024

2024 comes at a time when the world is still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, and various global challenges. The choice of 翔 as the Kanji of the Year serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity. It’s about moving forward with determination, embracing change, and striving for new horizons. In addition to its inspirational message, 翔 also has a connection to one of Japan’s most beloved athletes, Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, whose first name includes the character 翔, has become a symbol of excellence and perseverance in sports, especially after signing a record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His success story resonates with the theme of soaring to new heights, making 翔 an even more fitting choice for 2024​.

The Process of Selecting the Kanji

The selection process for the Kanji of the Year is a nationwide event that engages people from all walks of life. Voters are encouraged to choose a kanji that they feel best represents the year, based on news events, cultural trends, and personal experiences. This process makes the Kanji of the Year a unique reflection of the collective consciousness of the Japanese people. Once the votes are tallied, the winning kanji is announced in a ceremony that is both solemn and celebratory. At Kiyomizu-dera, the chosen kanji is written in large brush strokes on a traditional Japanese scroll, a practice that emphasizes the cultural and artistic significance of the event. The ceremony is widely covered by media and serves as a moment of reflection on the past year and a hopeful look toward the future​.

The Legacy of Kanji of the Year

Over the years, the Kanji of the Year has included characters that represent a wide range of emotions and experiences. From 災 (sai, disaster) in 2018, reflecting the natural disasters that struck Japan, to 絆 (kizuna, bonds) in 2011, symbolizing the unity and resilience shown after the Great East Japan Earthquake, each kanji tells a story about the times in which it was chosen​. 翔 joins this legacy as a symbol of aspiration and renewal. It’s a reminder that, even in difficult times, there is always the potential to rise above challenges and reach for something greater. The selection of 翔 for 2024 is a call to action—to embrace the future with courage and to believe in the possibility of soaring to new heights.

Looking Ahead: The Year of Soaring

As 2024 unfolds, the kanji 翔 will likely become a symbol that resonates across various aspects of Japanese culture. From motivational speeches to product advertisements, you can expect to see this character popping up in places that encourage growth, ambition, and success. It’s a kanji that embodies the hope that the year ahead will be one of rising opportunities and newfound freedoms. So, whether you’re in Japan or simply following along from afar, let the spirit of 翔 inspire you to set your sights high in 2024. After all, there’s no limit to how high we can soar when we lift each other up.

Thank you for reading,

Marco