The kanji character for “bear” has been selected as the Kanji of the Year, representing the social mood of 2025.

At Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple, chief priest Mori Seihan wrote the character on a giant sheet of washi paper using a large brush.

Bear-related damage has occurred across Japan this year, with sightings even in urban areas, causing serious impact on daily life and economic activities.

Out of 189,122 ballots cast from nationwide, “bear” received 23,346 votes, making it the top choice for Kanji of the Year.

Just 180 votes behind in second place came the character that means “rice” which also appears in the kanji for the United States.

Many chose the character amid continued surges in rice prices since last year and US news including President Donald Trump’s inauguration and confusion over his tariff measures.

In third place with 18,300 votes was the kanji that means “high” that is used in Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s surname.

The character also represents highs for commodity prices, gold and the Nikkei stock average, and summer temperatures.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kanji of the Year initiative launched by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation as part of efforts to promote the beauty and depth of kanji.