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Japan, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kofu – A high school boy who was ashamed of his given name “Oji-sama” (Prince) has had his move to change it to the more traditional name “Hajime” legally endorsed by a family court.
Hajime Akaike, 18, from the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, said his effort would encourage other such people who find their given names peculiar. He urged prospective parents to think twice when naming their children amid a trend among Japanese parents to give so-called kira-kira (glittery) names with unusual readings.
Among such names are unconventional ones inspired by anime characters such as “Pikachu” — composed of the Chinese characters for “light” and “space” — and “Nausicaa” — a combination of “now” and “deer” — who is the protagonist in a popular 1984 anime movie by Hayao Miyazaki.
“If someone dislikes his or her name, it is possible to act (to change it). I would like them to have the courage to do so,” said Akaike.
Source and full English article: Japan Today
https://japantoday.com/category/national/update1-teenager-ashamed-of-given-name-prince-adopts-traditional-one
Picture: Gabriela Sang (emaze)
https://app.emaze.com/@AOIQQFICW#1
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