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"War" Selected as Kanji of 2022
Reflecting Invasion of Ukraine, North Korean Missiles, etc.; Announced at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto13 March 2023 - Local topics//Temples/ShrinesThe world was greatly shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been going on since February 2022. Also, the successive missile launches by North Korea caused many people to feel fear and anxiety about war.
Many people have faced battles in their daily lives against sharply rising prices and power shortages due to the record low yen and soaring oil prices. The battle against COVID-19 still continues as well.
At the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the Middle East, Japan's national team defeated powerful nations and advanced to the round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament. At the Beijing Winter Olympics, Japanese athletes won a record 18 medals. The whole of Japan was excited by the heated sporting battles at those world-class events.
Launched in 1995, "Kanji of the Year" marked its 28th anniversary in 2022. It has become an annual event in December. The character selected for 2021 was "kin," which means "gold," as the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were held. The character for 2020 was "mitsu," which means "close" as a new lifestyle to avoid close contact was advocated amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Translated by Mie Hiuzon, Psyche et l’Amour, Inc.)