Kanji Meaning Tax Chosen To Characterize 2014

This symbol in kanji, 税, was chosen as "the single best Chinese character symbolizing this year's national ethos in Japan." It is "zei" meaning tax.

According to Kyodo News, the reason the symbol was chosen to characterize Japan in 2014:

The word was chosen after people faced more burdens on their household budgets following the April 1 consumption tax increase. A series of "money and politics" scandals involving national and local politicians who decide how to use taxpayers' money also came to the surface.

It was chosen by a vote of the general public. Its selection was announced at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

Perhaps it should also be adopted here in the United States to symbolize politicians who are prone to raising taxes instead of curbing spending.

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