Kanji of the year

In Japan, at the end of each year, "Kanji of the year" is decided. It chooses the Kanji which is reflecting the social trend most in the year.

In 2011, it was decided in "Kizuna(絆)".
"Kizuna" means "bond" in Japan.

The year of 2011 is a year which many disasters occured and Japanese people had recognized again of the importance of bonds with surrounding people such as the family, the sweetheart, and the friend.
For that reason, the Kanji would have been chosen probably.

I hope that "Kanji of the year" in 2012 will be more cheerful and happy character than ever before.