As per new rules in relation to the pronunciation of kanji characters, parents in Japan will have less wiggle room to pick an unusual name for their child. Japanese authorities have implemented the ban on kirakira (shiny or glittery names), which are names that have a touch of creative flair to them.
From now on, only the officially recognized kanji characters will be allowed. Parents also must notify local authorities of the phonetic reading of the chosen name.
The debate about kirakira names has been going on for many years, as some parents have been criticized for naming their kids after brands and fictional characters, such as Pikachu, Kitty, Pū (Winnie-the-Pooh), and many more. The government hopes that the new changes will simplify the digitalization of administration processes by encouraging the use of names with standard pronunciation.
What's in a name? A lot, apparently. So much so that in some countries there are a number of names that are not allowed. Indeed, parents from all over the world have drawn inspiration from the most varied sources to name their kids. Some, however, saw their chosen names being rejected by local laws and even the courts.
In this gallery, we bring you some of the most famous examples of names that were banned around the world. Click on to get to know them.