The Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society announced on December 12 that the kanji for 2025 is 'bear' (熊), selected through a nationwide poll. Rice (米) came in second, while high (高) placed third, referencing rising commodity prices and the surname of Sanae Takaichi. The choice of bear highlights the widespread damage caused by the animals this year.
Although 2025 marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society declared 'bear' (熊, kuma) as the kanji of the year on December 12. This selection, determined by a nationwide poll, underscores the extensive damage inflicted by bears across Japan throughout the year. Terms like emergency cull (緊急銃猟, kinkyū jūryō) and bear-related damage (クマ被害, kuma higai) even ranked among the top 10 buzzwords of the year.
Coming in second was 'rice' (米, bei, mai, kome, yone), reflecting discussions on food staples. Third place went to 'high' (高, kō, taka[i]), alluding to soaring commodity prices (物価高, bukkadaka) and the surname of Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister elected in October.
The announcement highlights how traditional kanji selection intersects with contemporary issues, such as wildlife management challenges posed by increasing bear populations. This annual event draws tens of thousands of votes, capturing the evolution of the Japanese language amid cultural and social shifts.
