How to Use for Genealogy Research
These tools and databases help identify the exact kanji character variants (itaiji) used in ancestor names. Correctly identifying characters in historical koseki is essential for creating accurate genealogical records and obtaining official documents.
Key Resources
Character Information Infrastructure (Moji_Joho_Kiban)
A character information database compiled by the Ministry of Justice. Allows searching characters permitted in koseki and the Basic Resident Register by radical, stroke count, or reading.
Character Information Infrastructure (MOJ)
IVS (Ideographic Variation Sequences) & IPAmj Mincho Font
A standard and font for accurately representing variant characters on computers. Installing the IPAmj Mincho Font (provided by IPA) enables correct display of archaic and variant kanji.
Character Information Technology Promotion Council (CITPC)
National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics (NINJAL)
Research institute for Japanese language, characters, vocabulary, and phonology. Provides kanji database project information.
