"Ease" tops new year's resolutions for parents in Japan

A recent nationwide survey by Ikoyo Family Lab asked parents to express their aspirations for 2026 using a single kanji character, which I thought was an interesting approach to this time of year!

The most common answer was 楽 or "ease." Among the 935 respondents, many parents described wanting daily life to feel more manageable, particularly when balancing work, childcare, and household responsibilities. Rather than focusing on major personal change, the emphasis was on reducing strain and maintaining enjoyment in everyday routines.

For expat families in Japan, this framing may feel especially familiar. Navigating life in a second language, adapting to the work culture here, and raising children within local school and childcare systems often adds extra layers of effort to what would otherwise be ordinary tasks. I thought this was a really encouraging, attainable new year's goal to just make life feel like it has a bit more breathing room. 

The next most common aspirations were health, happiness, and laughter「健」「幸」「笑」. I thought these were quite in line with New Year's resolutions in my home country, especially since health is a big one that most people put on their goals in some respect. 

If you had to pick a kanji for a New Year's resolution/2026 goal, what would it be?