Kanji Of The Year

At the end of every year in Japan, some people choose a character that sums up the past twelve months. In 2006, it was inochi 命 (life), mainly for the fact that a boy was born into the Royal Family after generations of girls. A somewhat positive symbol.

2007 was less optimistic. Itsuwaru 偽 means 'fake' - following the deception of the food companies (Fujiya), sumo corruption and, of course, Nova.

I wonder what 2008 will bring.

*the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation