Jinmeiyo Kanji for Names

Jinmeiyo Kanji, or "kanji for personal names," refers to the list of kanji characters designated for use in personal names in Japan. This list is determined by the Ministry of Justice through the "Jinmeiyo Kanji List," which currently includes 861 designated characters. These characters consist not only of those found in the list of Jōyō Kanji (commonly used kanji), but also include characters in old-style orthography and those with unique readings.

Jinmeiyo Kanji are typically used when naming a person, and according to Japanese family register law, only these designated characters are allowed for use in registered names. However, in practice, there are instances where kanji characters outside the Jinmeiyo Kanji list may be used for naming. In such cases, the use of non-Jinmeiyo Kanji characters is subject to the judgment of the family register law and local government guidelines, and these characters can be used only if approved.

Jinmeiyo Kanji for Names

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