Kanji Politics: Language Policy and Japanese Script

Abstract

Introduction: What is language planning?, language policy? How Japanese is written History of language policy in Japan Language policy formulation in Japan today Underlying imperatives of language policy Which script? Some Japanese perspectives on language policy The major arguments. Historical background to government action The National Language Research Council The kana problem A temporary hiatus The Interim National Language Research Council The National Language Council. Kokutai and kotodama Domestic frustrations External language policies Taiwan and Korea China and southeast Asia. Democracy and script The early reforms: characters and kanazukai A reorganized National Language Council Reforms in the 1950s: name kanji, Orurigana Renascent opposition Results of the postwar reforms. Hyoonha and hyoiha The 1961 walkout A period of change The LDP intervenes The reversal begins: the 1966 shimon and the 25-year cycle of revaluation.