In kirakira names, which became more popular from the 1980s onward, parents often choose a name based on the phonetic sound – wanting their child’s name to sound like “Pikachu,” for ...

No ‘Pikachu’: Why is Japan at war against unconventional, ‘glittery’ names? The Japanese government has passed a new law that seeks to quell pop culture-inspired ‘kira kira’ names.

Japanese parents can no longer name their children Naiki (Nike), Pikachu, Kitty, Pudding, Daiya (diamond), or Pu (from Winnie-the-Pooh). Edited by: NDTV News Desk World News May 29, 2025 12:37 pm IST ...

Japan just outlawed “glittery” baby names like Pikachu, Prince, and Devil — part of a crackdown on quirky names deemed bad for kids’ futures.

In kirakira names, which became more popular from the 1980s onward, parents often choose a name based on the phonetic sound – wanting their child’s name to sound like “Pikachu,” for ...

Kira-kira names, like Pikachu and Naiki (Nike), have come under fire for confusing people in public places like schools and hospitals and often making children feel embarrassed.