KYOTO -- With the spread of word processors and computers, more and more Japanese are forgetting kanji. In an effort to curb this trend and increase interest in the characters, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation in Shimogyo Ward here will open a kanji museum Monday.
The museum, the first of its kind in Japan, will be located on the second floor of the building that houses the foundation's Kyoto office.
On display will be various items that give information regarding kanji, including the history of each character and related artifacts.
It also will have a library and a section where visitors can learn kanji by playing games. A total of 13 different sections will occupy a 600-sq.-meter space.
"Kanji were originally developed from pictorial symbols. After being introduced from China, kanji were adapted to a new environment in Japan, which created its own language forms," said Noboru Okubo, the museum director. "I hope this place provides visitors with an environment where they can learn kanji while having fun."
The foundation, which was established in 1975, has been conducting kanji aptitude tests every year on about 100,000 people.