A week ago, Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) in Kyoto announced the The Kanji of the Year 2013. This year Tokyo was selected as the Olympic Games host in 2020 and entire Japan was so happy. This news seem to remain people’s mind and the most popular Kanji of this year was WA (輪), means ring, circle or round. The symbol of the Olympic is five rings.

This event The Kanji of the Year is the 19th year now and is promoted by Japan Kanji Proficiency Society, also known as Kan-ken. Anyone can send their selection of Kanji for the year and the Association choose the most popular Kanji of the year.

This year as well, the head of Kiyomizu-dera showed strong brush stroke. “Wa means many people get together and move things well. Also the sound is the same as the Kanji 和 (peace). Let’s make a peaceful circle”, he said.

It seems like the next year, a year of horse will be a good year. Hope the good energy spread like water ripples.

Merry Christmas!