Learning English from the News Japan bans baby names like Pikachu and Kitty
Dec 24, 2025
Japan has implemented a new law banning unusual baby names like Pikachu and Kitty. The hosts delve into the quirky world of kira-kira and flashy names that attract attention. They discuss official concerns over pronunciation and potential embarrassment for children. An idiom about resolving naming disputes adds a humorous twist. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of societal norms around names!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Law Limits Unofficial Kanji Readings
- Japan changed kanji pronunciation rules to stop parents giving highly unusual names like Pikachu and Kitty.
- The law targets unofficial readings that made names hard to pronounce and caused potential future embarrassment.
Headline Wordplay With 'Put To Bed'
- 'Put something to bed' means to deal with a difficult situation successfully and is used as a playful headline here.
- The hosts note the phrase is a joke because the story is literally about babies who are put to bed.
Neighbour Dispute Example
- Neil gives an example about resolving a dispute with a neighbour over rubbish bins to illustrate 'put to bed'.
- He uses the example to show the phrase means the issue is now resolved and no longer a problem.