If you are in Japan, you can’t name your baby ‘Pikachu’. Here’s why

‘Pikachu’, ‘Naiki’, ‘Kitty’… parents in Japan will no longer be able to give their babies names that sound like they’ve come straight out of an anime series or a pop music video.

In a move that’s got the internet talking, the Asian country has decided to ban overly flashy and unconventional baby names, known locally as ‘kirakira’ names.

For years, these “glittery” names have been a favourite among young parents wanting their child to stand out. But officials believe the trend has gone a bit too far, and that it might be causing more problems than it solves.

So, what exactly are ‘kira-kira’ names? Why has Japan decided to step in now? What do the new rules mean for parents? And which other countries regulate baby names?

Here’s a closer look.

What are Japan’s ‘kirakira’ names?

“Kirakira,” translating to “shiny” or “glittery,” refers to a trend in Japan where parents choose unique, often unconventional names for their children.  

The trend first started gaining popularity in the late 1980s and has since evolved, often reflecting whatever is trending in pop culture at the time, say academics.

These names typically draw inspiration from anime characters, foreign languages, global brands, or playful uses of kanji, the complex Chinese-origin characters used in written Japanese. Parents often get creative with how these characters are read, which can sometimes leave others completely puzzled.

Some of the more surprising examples include names like ‘Jewel’, ‘Lovely’, ‘Kitty’, and ‘Elsa’ for girls, while boys have been named ‘Prince’, ‘Naruto’, and even ‘Pikachu’.

Others have taken it a step further with names like ‘Pū’, which sounds like Winnie-the-Pooh, ‘Naiki’, resembling the sports brand Nike, and ‘Dorami’, a nod to the character from Doraemon.

Then there are cases like Olympic legend Seiko Hashimoto, who named her children Girishia (Greece) and Torino (Turin), after the Olympic host cities from the years they were born.

Why have unusual names become a headache in Japan?

While kira-kira names may seem cute or creative, they’ve caused quite a few practical and social problems over the years.

Since parents often assign kanji with non-traditional or creative readings, it’s left school records, medical charts, and government documents filled with names that no one knows how to pronounce, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

A long-term study on baby-naming trends, published in 2022, also found that the number of “unique names” has risen dramatically over the past four decades.

But it’s not just paperwork that’s being affected. There’s rising concern that children with such unusual names could face social challenges, including ridicule or isolation from peers.

One of the most notorious cases dates back to 1994, when a couple, Shigeru and Ayako Sato, named their newborn son “Akuma”, which means “Devil” in Japanese. Shigeru defended his choice, telling reporters, “There will only be one Japanese with this name. If you hear it once, you’ll never forget it. It’s the best possible name.”

While officials initially accepted the name, they later reversed the decision, saying the child might be bullied and that the parents had essentially “abused the right to name a child”.

What do the new rules say?

The Japanese government has amended the Family Registry Act. Under the revised naming guidelines, parents are now required to submit not only the kanji characters for their child’s name but also the specific pronunciation they intend.

If the reading deviates too far from traditional or commonly accepted interpretations, local authorities can ask for a written explanation. In cases where the name is considered too confusing or inappropriate, they even have the authority to reject it.

Officials say one of the main reasons behind this change is Japan’s push towards digitalising its administrative systems. Unconventional name readings have made this transition difficult, as systems often rely on standard pronunciations to function smoothly.

But this move isn’t just about making bureaucracy easier. Many see it as a cultural correction—an effort to preserve the integrity of the Japanese language and naming traditions.

Critics of kira-kira names argue that while the intention may be to give children a unique identity, the outcome often leads to social discomfort, teasing, and long-term issues with identity and documentation.

Other countries that regulate baby names

Japan’s move is part of a broader global trend where countries implement naming laws to protect children and maintain cultural norms:

Germany: Names must clearly indicate gender and not negatively affect the child’s well-being. Names like “Lucifer” have been rejected.

New Zealand: Maintains a list of banned names, including titles like “King” and “Prince,” to prevent names that could cause offence or confusion.

China: In the Xinjiang region, names such as “Saddam”, “Medina”, “Mecca”, “Imam”, “Islam”, “Quran”, and “Jihad” have been banned to curb what authorities consider “extremism.”

US: Names such as Jesus Christ, Adolf Hitler, Santa Claus, Messiah, King, and Queen have been deemed illegal, according to US Birth Certificates.

With input from agencies