Japan voted for the kanji character for ‘war’ on Monday as an emblem for the year 2022, following a year blighted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the murder of ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe. Every year, the population votes for the kanji character which, in their opinion, is most emblematic of the preceding year. Olympic-oriented kanji were the top selections this past year, but the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, who coordinate the vote, acknowledged that the atmosphere was more somber. The group expressed that many were troubled over the Russian takeover in Ukraine, the attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Abe and the quick changes in the yen, commenting on it in a press statement. Japanese TV stations relayed the results with the master of the traditional Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, Seihan Mori, transcribing the character with a calligraphy brush. Mori shared his shock and sorrow over the clashes in Ukraine.
Author: Amaury Abreu
