Dec. 12, 2016
The Chinese character (kanji) of the Year was announced. It was “kin(金)” that means “gold” or “money” in Japanese.
In 2016, Japanese people felt many Japanese athletes won “gold” medals at the Olympic Games, and there were “financial” and political scandals in Japan. Donald Trump reminds us of “money” as well.
Since 1995, the Chinese character that represents the year the best has been selected by voting at the end of the year.
The abbot of Kiyomizu Temple drew the letter “kin(金)” on a large paper with a large brush at the temple. I think many people watched it on TV today, and felt it was already the end of the year.
Though different Chinese characters have been selected in different years, only “kin(金)” has been selected 3 times in the years of Olympics. I don’t admire it, but I hope the next year will be rich in happiness with “kin(金)” of 2016.
By Meg Konishi (Find Your Japan)