A government panel in Japan is thinking about changing the way Japanese is written using the Roman alphabet. The current system, called Kunrei-shiki, became official in 1954. However, many people find the Hepburn system easier to understand because it is closer to English pronunciation. For example, Kunrei uses "ti" for a sound, but Hepburn writes it as "chi."

Although Kunrei is taught in schools, most people are more familiar with Hepburn. It is the system used on signs, maps, passports, train stations, and in English textbooks. The panel now suggests switching to a style based on Hepburn. A final decision is expected by autumn.