Unlocking the Secrets of Kanji: Why Its Study Often Lacks Passion

Have you ever wondered why so few people truly master the art of reading and writing Kanji, the complex Japanese script?

Much of the challenge in learning Kanji lies in its study method. In most educational settings, Kanji is primarily approached as a matter of rote and necessity, rather than passion or interest. This gap often leaves many students mastering the characters out of duty rather than desire.

Study as a Necessity

When it comes to Kanji, many students exhibit a pragmatic mindset: they study to pass exams, not out of enjoyment or appreciation for language. This is exemplified by the typical thought processes of many Japanese students:

Exams Come First

“Oh no! The teacher is giving a quiz on this week’s Kanji. Better hurry up and finish all those pages I haven’t done yet so I can study.”

Cramming Before Tests

“Oh no! The Kanken is coming up. Better buy a Kanken book and cram all the Kanji. Instead of oh, I don’t know, maybe reading a damn normal book everyday to build automaticity.”

Homework Hurdles

“Oh no! My teacher is collecting our summer homework today. Better finish that Kanji drill book that I let collect dust all summer. Or alternatively… I finished that book on the first day I got it so I haven’t looked at it all since then. Might as well turn it in.”

It is rare to find students who fully appreciate the stroke order, the necessity of these characters, or how satisfying it is to write them perfectly. Of course, there are still schools that specialize in Kanji, keeping the art alive, but it is not as widely appreciated as it could be.

Fluency in Kanji

It is important to note that despite the challenges in learning Kanji, the vast majority of Japanese speakers have native fluency. According to literacy statistics, Japan’s literacy rate approaches 100%, meaning the majority of native speakers can read and write Kanji. Even those who struggle may represent a relatively small fraction of the overall population.

Native Speakers and Kanji Mastery

Among 128 million native Japanese speakers, most are literate and can read and write Kanji with ease. This high level of literacy highlights the effectiveness of the language education system and the cultural reverence for Kanji.

While second-language learners may face more significant challenges, their numbers are relatively small compared to the native speakers. Hence, in most practical contexts, the ability to read and write Kanji is not a limiting factor for most Japanese people.

In conclusion, the study of Kanji often lacks passion due to its traditional academic approach. However, with a shift towards more engaging and meaningful learning methods, the culture and art of Kanji could become more widely appreciated and revered.