On the Kanji Title of the XmasFantasy Series: OKURU…

Summary

IHS Bethlehem Church has established “御来” as the kanji rendering of the title of the XmasFantasy series. It is read “okuru,” and the character “来” is read “kuru.” From now on, both XmasFantasy and OKURU may be used as names for the series. We would be glad if you would call it by the name OKURU.

Background

Rendering XmasFantasy in kanji had been under consideration since 2020. Expressing an English name in kanji is not easy, and after six years of consideration, the decision was made ahead of Comic Market 108. The name XmasFantasy derives from the meaning that God comes forth out of fantasy through the Mass (a rite; Missa). This meaning, however, is not easily understood, and the name also carries a strong seasonal impression, so a kanji rendering had been under consideration.

Additional notes

The name “御来” carries the meaning that something is coming. Words relating to Bethlehem and Christmas come from Hebrew, and when “Hebrew” is abbreviated in kanji, it becomes “来.” The character “来” also contains the shapes of “米” and “十” (a cross). To this was added the honorific prefix “御,” forming “御来.”